[ Saya's quite busy today, but she always makes time for her favored ones. At some point she catches Rosen while they're both in the back, in between customers. Wearing a maid outfit, of course, backless to accommodate her wings (though they're not present right this moment), thigh-high stockings, heels, the whole deal. ]
Don't you look nice. [ She reaches out and fingers the hem of his vest. Not quite tugging him close, but considering it. ]
[It's been a semi-busy day for Rosen. Sadly, he didn't get much in the way of clientele. Maybe it's because he's a scary 6 foot-something abrasive asshole. That certainly might be the case but the moment Saya prances by dressed in her cute little maid costume, Rosen totally forgets his on the clock.]
You like? [He purrs while subtly siding his arm around her waist.] I thought you would.
[ She rests her hands on his chest in such a way that it's very clear she's urging him closer rather than pushing him away. ]
I like everything you wear. But yes, this caught my attention. Poor customers, they were supposed to be the center of my attention and my thoughts were on you.
[ Among others, but he'll come ahead of most of them. ]
And this? [ She glances down at her costume ] It's more my style to be giving the orders, but I have fun with the clothes at least.
[He reels in Saya for a loving embrace, ignoring any and all stares from the onlookers nearby. Of course, he's careful not to jostle her wings too much. However, he does gently stroke her back as he hugs her close.]
It brings me much joy to know I have my queen's attention.
[Rosen can't help but feel a bit smug about that. After all, he is the Arkana of Vainglory and he's terribly vain at times.]
Sometimes it's fun to take up other roles. It helps keep one humble and sharp.
[ Her arms slip around his shoulders and she grins with delight; anyone making themselves an audience can damn well look the other way. ] You always have my attention, I'll have you know. Even when you're out of my sight.
[ She has a very long list of bedmates but only one who serves her, and that is Special. ]
Far be it for me to overlook the gift that is humility, but I was fishing for compliments on the outfit. [ Anything but perfect shamelessness wouldn't suit her at all. Or him, really. ]
[A gentle sigh escapes him as he starts carding his fingers lovingly through Saya’s silky black locks. Just her presence alone comforts him tremendously. There’s just something about Saya that truly calms him. She keeps him oddly grounded. It might have something to do with the nature of their relationship but Rosen isn’t the type to dwell on such things. He simply enjoys her company.]
And you are always within my thoughts too, a’rúnsearc. Within my thoughts and within my heart too.
[He let’s put a quiet hum as he gives her an affectionate squeeze.]
Oh, trust me! You don’t need to fish for compliments when you’re the most beautiful woman in the world. [A pause] Though, I may start singing ballads about your immense beauty just to make you blush.
[ She practically purrs as he strokes through her hair. However she brings him comfort, or joy, or anything of the kind, it makes her happy that she does. And likewise he comforts a part of her that no one else does, not her husband, not her other partners. There is part of her that is only for him. ]
And what does that word mean, hm? I'll have to brush up on my Gaelic so I can appreciate you properly. Although here's a start:
[ She gives him a gentle tug to lean down so she can give him a kiss -- nothing too involved, alas, but the adoration is unmistakable. Saya can make the simplest kiss seem incredibly passionate, and this is one of those. It comes from doing everything with her whole heart. ]
I'm always pleased to hear how I look to your eyes. I'd have a hard time blushing from words alone, but you do have a silver tongue. I put nothing past it.
[He whispers lovingly into her ear for only her to hear. It’s not a direct translation since the word itself actually means “secret love” but in his culture, it’s used more like “beloved” instead. Nevertheless, he figures that Saya will get a kick out of being called that. As much as he enjoys referring to her as his queen, he likes this more. That’s because most people don't know Gaelic.]
Lovely, no?
[Rosen questions as she gives him a little tug. The moment their lips touch, he nearly forgets himself. He lets his hands wander down her back, gently tugging at the ruffles of her cute little maid dress. Out of everyone in attendance, Saya looks the most darling in his opinion. Although, Yuri and Venti are quite fetching as well. However, his attention is always on Saya.]
What can I say? I always possessed a love for words and poetry alike. [He chuckles.] After all, I was once a bard.
[That silver tongue of his has saved him more than once in his perilous adventures. Rosen can be quite charming when he wants or needs to be.]
It is lovely, yes. Feel free to use it as often as possible.
[ Her arms wind around Rosen to keep him close even after their woefully simple kiss is eased to an end. For now. Those back rooms do have lovely collections of floor pillows and cozy blankets, once they're off the clock. Or one of them could remove their ribbons and contribute to the guild coffers... ]
Mm, so you've mentioned. I'll have to talk you into singing for me. [ Just for her. Karoke bars don't count for this. What she wants is something rather more intimate. ]
And don't offer. I want to convince you into it. [ Saya smiles at him in that way she has, innocent and flirtatious and sweet and conniving and utterly, utterly sure she can manage it. ]
[There’s other cute little pet names he could use for Saya but “a’rúnsearc” is his favorite. It aptly describes how much she means to him in a simple singular word. If there’s one thing about Rosen, he prefers to keep things succinct and to the point. He’s a man of action after all and so far, he’s tempted to take some action hereby hiking up her cute little maid skirt. Surely, Yuri and the others won’t mind if they take an impromptu break.]
If you want to make me sing, I know a number of fun little things we could do. [He’s being naughty right now but to be fair, so is she. Saya can bait her eyes as much as she likes. Rosenkrantz is quite aware of what his little queen is doing.]
However, I’m certain you’re creative enough to come up with your own ideas.
[He just hopes that Saya’s ideas are as lewd as his.]
[ "Beloved" is a wonderful pet name, she's claimed it now. The language is pretty and she has a fair guess that most people won't know what it means, which makes it special. ]
[ Worry not, her thoughts about creativity are exactly as lewd as his. This whole thing has her at her utmost coy and flirtatious, though at the moment she only has eyes for Rosen. ]
Meet me in the back room in three minutes? I have something to show you. ...Hmm, perhaps more than one thing, but first the one and then we'll see where things go.
[He peeks over towards the doors on the far right of the cafe with a curious hum. So far no one seems to care about the two of them fooling around like this but if Saya has something to show him, that would probably be the best place. No one really heads back there right now, not with this many customers around. While he hasn’t had much in the means of clients, Rosen has been assisting the others with catering. That’s the least he could do to support the guild.]
Kinky. [He gives Saya a playful wink as he slowly untwines himself from her. It’s painful to do so but he doesn’t want others to start gossiping about them. Besides, they’re technically still within view of everyone. The last thing he wants is an audience.]
I hope whatever you’re showing me comes in the form of sexy black lace.
[No lie but he loves her taste in lingerie. It's just a shame it's always crumpled up on the floor whenever they get intimate.]
[ She favors him with a coy smile as he pulls away, alas a necessary task. If they keep on where they are, she'll probably make a scene, exhibitionist that she is, and she doesn't think Yuri would appreciate it. ]
Part of it, yes. [ Her smile says she knows what a tease that is. ]
Three minutes.
[ With that, she steps away, drawing her fingertips down the front of his shirt and waistcoat until she's too far away to touch him anymore, and disappears into one of the rooms. ]
[ When he makes his way in, he'll find that he's not the only one who can wear a jacket without a shirt. This was tailored for her male form so it's a bit oversized and leaves enough skin exposed to be scandalous without being explicitly revealing. She left her thigh-high stockings and heels on, because why not? ]
[ She favors him with a grin that says she knows exactly how gorgeous she looks, then turns so her back faces him and shimmies so the back neckline of the jacket drops a few inches at the same time she reaches up to brush her short hair away from her neck. At the nape of her neck is an intricate tattoo of one of his fire butterflies. ]
I do this with those who mean the most to me. [ Rosen has no doubt noticed the dragon on the back of her left shoulder, representing her husband, and the feather surrounded by musical notes on her right ankle (which represents Venti but since most people here don't know about his wings, she isn't about to say anything). ] So I'll always have you with me.
[Three minutes passed much slower than it should. Criminally so. Rosen kept glancing towards the door while clearing off the tables nearby. While he was doing his best to look as inconspicuous as possible, it was nearly impossible. The man is hilariously impatient but thankfully he managed to wait it out long enough to slip back there without much of a hitch.]
I don’t think anyone noticed. [He mumbles as he closes the door behind him.] Even if they did, I would just kick them in the teeth at this point–
[The comment dies on his tongue the second he sees Saya wearing nothing but that oversized jacket of hers and a pair of cute little stockings and heels. Rosen stares at her for a long moment, his eyes wide with surprise at this striking beauty standing before him. It seems he’s not the only one who likes to wander around without a shirt. Rosen can tell she isn’t wearing much under there.]
I didn’t think I would get a one-man show.
[He chuckles but quickly his laughter ceases once he notices the marks upon her body. Are those…tattoos? Rosen doesn’t recall her possessing any tattoos the last time they met, so maybe they’re new? Or maybe he just didn’t pay attention since—*ahem*. Whichever the case, Rosen is honestly a little surprised to see one of his iconic little red butterflies tattooed upon the nape of her neck.]
…Saya.
[A smile graces his lips as he inches over towards her.]
Like it? I…love it.
[He whispers while gently tracing his finger over the butterfly’s wings.]
You could get most any show you ask for out of me. [ She pauses, chuckles, and adds, ] Depending on how you ask.
[ She has a certain weakness for those who ask with certain niceties after all. ]
[ She is still while he takes it in, traces the butterfly's delicate fiery wings. It seems he understands at least some of the honor this is intended to be. The ones she carries with her are the ones she loves most, those who she'll be most desperate to remember if she should sleep and forget them. ]
[ Finally, Saya turns her head just enough so he can see her face in profile, the fact that she's smiling. ]
[Who gives a damn if someone starts a “rumour” about them? Rosen certainly doesn’t care judging from how he’s carrying on, especially now. However, he decides to take some pity on Hijikata here. That’s why instead of still fondling him in broad daylight, he reaches over to drag Hijikata into a convenient alley nearby. It’s a little seedy since it’s behind the convenience store they just left but it’s a suitable background for something as nefarious as this.
Rosen grins at Hijikata as he slams him up against the wall a second time. Yeah, he’s pretty strong isn’t he? Thankfully, he’s only using a fraction of his strength here. It’s not his intention to harm the police officer. In fact, he wants to do the complete opposite.]
How about here, then? [He questions as he purposely brushes his lips against Hijikata’s.] This should do, right? It’s not the most ideal spot but I doubt you’ll object.
[He blows a kiss at Hijikata as he fishes around in his pockets. After a bit of searching, he pries out what seems to be a silver little package. It’s the condom from earlier. Rosen rips the package open with his teeth with a playful smirk.]
Tell me, Hiji-love, when was the last time you had your dick sucked?
[Hijikata grunts as he's slammed against the next wall, but before he can bark complaints at Rosen he's kissed again, ever so lightly. Both their umbrellas are uselessly lying beyond the entrance of the backstreet, so of course the goddamn rain is affecting him again, and he bites back his yelling to allow the contact.
He still struggles against Rosen's hold regardless - right up until he asks him that lewd question. All of a sudden he relaxes, and the glare on his face smooths out into smugness. Oh? So this is what Rosen wants? Honestly, Hijikata was at no point scared - he knows that Rosen would leave him be as soon as he earnestly asked him to stop. But much like sparring, much like drinking, this, too, is a competition to him, and he's far too bullheaded to give in, despite all the embarrassment of being made to squirm under Rosen's skilled hands.]
Don't call me that, bastard. Call me Hijikata, or I'll call you Rosy-posy.
[He's not actually answering the question, but... it's been a good while. Since he left Prismatica he's only been able to visit his remaining partner there ever so often, and only a couple of times after his stint on Avalon. Even with the convenience of always returning to the point where he left Edo, he can't spread himself too thin across the multiverse.]
Are you sure you want the condom? Don't you want to taste me?
[He sure did a fast 180° turn from telling Rosen to die to asking for no condom!! The prospect of getting a blowjob, even in this shitty location, is making him even harder.]
[This is some sort of strange little competition between them, isn’t it? Rosen doesn’t want to think too much about it but this certainly seems like one. The two of them are trying to outdo each other while riding the fumes of passion. While Rosen is completely oblivious of the rain’s effect on him, he always kind of had his eye on Hijikata. The man is handsome despite being such an insufferable cock at times. More like a “cocktease” now since the man was so adamant about returning to work after that little kiss.
Nevertheless, Rosen can’t help but notice how quickly Hijikata’s tune changes at the mention of felliato. It's a complete 180 from the blushing man that stood before him in the convenience store. How curious. Rosen doesn’t know how he feels about that but he’s definitely not giving Hijikata the satisfaction of squirting his spunk down his throat. Hell no. Rosen is in control here and whatever he says goes.]
How about a “No”. [He questions while ripping the condom pack open with his teeth.] I’ll only taste you if you let me fuck you, Hijikata.
[Rosen says before suddenly unzipping the officer’s fly as he slowly sinks down to his knees. He gives Hijikata a playful wink as he places the condom in between his teeth. No more playful quips from him. Rosen is about to get down to business. Oral sex is probably his favorite thing to do in the bedroom. He likes watching his partners come undone by his skillful tongue. Just ask Saya. She would leave him a great review if she could.]
[Hijikata, too, likes being in control. That's exactly why he started floundering and fumbling when Rosen got him overwhelmed! Now, though, he feels in his element again, even if Rosen is going ahead on his own terms. As the Arkana gets down on his knees Hijikata eagerly juts his hips forward. Hopefully Rosen won't have to much trouble getting his erection out of his boxers!]
Fuck me? Now, what makes you think that's on the table? No one gets to fuck the Shinsengumi's Vice-Commander.
[He takes Rosen's half-braided hair and wraps it around his own palm, like a rope he wants to pull - but he doesn't, not yet at least. He wants to feel his hot mouth and tongue on him first.]
[Judging from the sarcastic roll of his eyes, Rosen isn't too impressed with that lackluster reply. Who gives a fuck about one's rank in the bedroom? Certainly not him and he's fairly certain as a former member of the royal court of Ulster, that he was held in higher regard. Or so he likes to assume but in all honesty, if King Conchobar wasn't the least bit attracted to him—he would've never been invited into Ulster in the first place. Nevertheless, he's not going to dwell on that now. Not while he’s about to metaphorically suck the soul out of Hijikata’s cock.
A sly grin forms on his lips once he finally beholds Hijikata’s erection for the first time. It seems the poor bastard is already at half mast. How cute! He reaches around the officer’s cock and gives it a gentle stroke up from the base. A devious little grin settles on his lips as he arranges the condom in his mouth. After a brief moment or two, Rosenkrantz suddenly leans forward and swallows Hijikata’s cock whole in hopes of sliding the condom on.
Whether or not he’ll be successful depends on his gag reflex but so far, so good. He just hopes that Hijikata doesn’t pull too hard on his hair.]
[Hijikata gives a fuck about rank in the bedroom!! (Never mind that his own Commander is a submissive masochist in a way that's impossible to ignore, proving that this definitely isn't a Shinsengumi-wide thing!)
The stroke of Rosen's fingers makes him exhale softly... damn, this feels so nice. And then, just like that, the Arkana decides to take this from 0 (okay, not 0, but) to 100 by deep-throating him in one go (granted, it's not too deep of a plunge yet, with Hijikata not quite fully erect, but it's still a lot to take at once!).
He moans, allowing his eyes to fall shut for a moment - and, perhaps to Rosen's surprise, he lets go of his hair and instead puts both hands on the back of his head, caressing him rather than doing anything harsh. Maybe he changed his mind? Maybe he just needed this more than he realised? Who knows at this rate!]
[It’s been while, hasn’t it? Rosen can tell just from how Hijikata exhales that it’s been a long time. That’s a real shame, especially since the officer isn’t half-bad looking. He’s pretty handsome whenever he’s not rattling off at the mouth. The kind of guy anyone would expect to be a bonafide “lady killer”. Sadly, Hijikata doesn’t seem to have much luck in that department. Thankfully, Rosen feels like being merciful today. It’s just a shame the two of them aren’t fucking like rabbits like a love hotel. That would’ve been nice.
Anyways, Hijikata’s cock isn’t exaggeratedly big or anything but it does force his mouth to stretch a bit. He’s decently well-endowed from what he can tell and decently trimmed as well. That’s always a plus but what gets his attention is when Hijikata suddenly rests his hands behind his head. He peeks up at the officer with a little hum that vibrates from his throat. It seems that Hijikata is enjoying himself already and they’ve just started. Rosen attempts to push his limits and take more of Hijikata’s cock into his mouth but he abruptly stops once he feels himself gagging. The officer could probably feel himself convulsing a bit as he quickly pulled away for air.
Once he has a lungful, Rosen dives back into action once more to feel that wonderful stretch again. He starts to suck vigorously on Hijikata’s erection, his lips moist as he continues to suck him off. Although, he needs to be a bit careful since his canines are a little sharp.]
[Hijikata may have a handsome resting face, but as soon as he gets aggravated it gets ugly really fast! And even when he's relaxed and happy it's usually his mayonnaise obsession that scares anyone who takes a liking to him away sooner rather than later. He lost track of how many pretty courtesans suddenly had to be elsewhere.
That aside he keeps himself so busy that he barely ever remembers to take care of himself, so Rosen will find his ballsack full and taut. He doesn't have enough time to complain or tease Rosen as he has to pull away, given that he's back on it in a second, making Hijikata's breath catch in his throat as he leans back against the wall.]
Mmmm...
[Rosen find Hijikata an easy partner, frankly. He's really relishing the sensations of his lips and tongue, the suction and warmth, and struggling to keep his hips still.]
[The fact that someone so dainty and light could go toe-to-toe with someone like him excites Rosen. Yuri is definitely much stronger than he looks. He’s no shrieking violet but rather a young warrior who loves a good challenge. Well, Yuri certainly found that challenge in him. Rosen wastes no time carrying this little imp towards the baths. He lets out a playful growl as he claims Yuri’s lips for a second or third time now. Listen, he just wants to devour the little bastard. Rosen is all teeth and feral now, his mind permanently in the gutter as his erection swells.]
Fuck the cosmos.
[He states with a toothy grin once they enter the bathhouse. It’s a little misty and hot here because of the water. Just the perfect temperature for a late evening romp in the bath. It takes all his willpower not to just toss Yuri into the water. As amusing as that would be, he would hate to ruin his handsome attire.]
I’ll make you see something better than some stupid looking stars.
[He’s talking about his dick, boy. Yuri is about to see just how hard he is.]
[ Another, wickeder laugh, his kiss in return biting, and when Rosen prompts him to let go, he loosens the grip of his thighs just enough to slip an inch down, his back arching sweetly as he does so, and Rosen will feel a brief but very suggestive pressure drag over his groin — before Yuri lets go completely, an agile twist midair so that he lands like a cat.
One more nipping kiss: ]
Don't make promises you can't keep.
[ His hands are already tugging the knot in his obi belt loose, though, and his shoulders roll to shrug out of both vest and shirt in one fell swoop.
Lean muscle, hard abs, the swell of hips and ass much more visible now: he's pretty damn hourglassy, really, though his shoulders are broader. ]
[How did Hijikata find out that the experiment to stop Saya's hibernation cycle failed? Well, he tried to call her several times after he expected the test to have concluded, and no one picked up. Consequently he eventually went to the Research Centre, and the researchers there told him what happened (not that they shared all the grim details).
Rosen never told Hijikata his apartment number, but a policeman has his ways. So he ends up in front of his door, knocking. Part of him hopes that Rosen isn't actually at home. He, himself, wouldn't be able to stand being alone after losing a partner so cherished and beloved. But if he is here, then Hijikata wants to keep his promise to Saya and be there for him.
[Being alone in his thoughts was probably the worst decision Rosen could’ve made after that whole fiasco. The mind loves to play tricks on people, and he is no different. His thoughts are dark and gloomy filled with self-doubt and self-hate. He hates himself for being this weak, for this distraught by Saya’s death. Rosen was supposed to be the one to end her life, not Yuri. That is the promise he made her, the promise he failed to fulfill because of his love for her. Rosen loves Saya more than words could ever express, but his love for her is a weakness. It’s with this in mind that Rosen finds himself at an awkward crossroads.
Should he keep loving Saya despite this weakness, or should he prioritize his strength and end things before this weakness worsens? This is the question that plagues his mind as he lingers within this dark apartment. He hasn’t been outside in days, unwilling to face the scores of people who loved Saya dearly. While Rosen realizes he’s not alone in his grief, it’s difficult for him to share this grief with others. He would much rather be alone, or so he claims.
That’s not entirely true, though. Especially since he still has Ciaran with him. The large black dog was curled up on his side when it heard the knock at the door. Ciaran lets out a quiet bark before glancing at Rosen. The dog lets out a noisy whine as it hops off the sofa, making a beeline for the door. Ciaran lets out another bark when Hijikata announces himself, almost inviting the man inside but it’s Rosen who finally wakes up from his drunken stupor to open the door.]
Oh, it’s....you.
[A breathy chuckle escapes Rosen once he realizes who it was. It’s been a while since he last seen Hijikata. Since that whole memory-sharing bullshit, Rosen been making himself scarce. He doesn’t like having his memories or feelings on display. It’s embarrassing for him, especially since he often prided himself on shutting such emotions out. However, it seems he’s not as different as everyone else. Immortal or not, Rosen still feels pain and still bleeds.]
[If Hijikata knew exactly what's going through Rosen's mind, he'd have some words for him - not of advice, just of commiseration. Love is goddamn complicated, and it seems to him like whether one embraces it or rejects it, neither is entirely the right choice.
When Rosen opens the door he puts on a faint smile (and pets Ciaran after letting him sniff him - he gets along well with dogs, generally; he kind of is one too after all, partly, sometimes).]
Yeah. I wanted to see how you're holding up. How come you're here and not at the Flower Yard?
[He'd have expected Rosen there, waiting under Saya's larger-than-life rose. But he's far from reproaching him. Witnessing her death - or bringing it about; he doesn't know the details - can't have been an easy thing to stomach at all, if the Saya doppelgänger he encountered and immolated/beheaded alongside the real Saya is any indication.]
[To say the least, Rosen looks like hell. His long white hair is a tangled mess, and he has dark bags under his eyes after a few too many sleepless nights. The man is a drunken mess with alcohol on his breath. After drowning over four bottles of whisky, it’s a miracle he can stay upright. Then again, he’s Irish. He can handle just about anything except this.
On the contrary, his dog seems to be in good spirits. Ciaran sniffs Hijikata briefly before suddenly nuzzling his head against the man’s leg. Poor Ciaran has no idea what’s happening right now, but the extra company is welcoming. Rosen hasn’t been himself lately, and his faithful hound has noticed, judging from its worried whine.]
Cause I don’t want to fuckin’ go there.
[Rosen grumbles with a huff as he steps away from the door. Whether or not Hijikata enters is up to him. He doesn’t care either way.]
I don’t wanna do anything right now, especially not with those folks.
[He flops back onto the sofa with a sigh before kicking a discarded bottle off the cushions. It’s a bit of a mess in here. There are scattered whiskey bottles all over the living room, including a few cans of beer. It seems Rosen was trying to drink himself into a coma earlier. That’s no good.]
[The dismal state of both Rosen and his apartment answers Hijikata's initial question of how he's holding up: Piss-poorly. And who could fault him? He ruffles Ciaran's fur on his head as he steps inside and closes the door behind him, playing with his ears a little. Good boy.
He quietly listens to what Rosen says. Honestly, he didn't really think about how well Rosen would know the others - Saya's husband, her other lovers, her friends, those who have literally been through hell with her. Apparently he feels a rift that prevents him from joining them as they wait for her rebirth. That's alright, as far as Hijikata is concerned... unless something specific happened before, during, or after the experiment to prompt that feeling from Rosen.]
You don't know them well either?
[He knows some names and faces - Kantera, Yuri, Venti, many more he can't quite recall ad hoc, surely some people he does know who may or may not have been involved in the extensive preparations -, but out of her inner circle he's only spoken to Venti (and Rosen himself, of course).]
...
What happened? You don't have to tell me, but if you want to...
[If he can understand at least roughly what occurred, he may find some words of confidence, maybe.]
I know ‘em. [Rosen answers after letting out a loud yawn.] But that doesn’t mean I like ‘em all.
[He’s speaking from a place of hurt right now, so his words can’t be trusted. Rosen feels terrible about what happened to Saya, but worst of all, he blames himself for it. The man also blames some of her know-it-all friends. He really thought that if all of them tried together, they could’ve saved Saya from such a brutal end. Sadly, nothing ever seems to go as planned, and now he has to live with the horrific image of his beloved queen being decapitated by the one man he trusts.]
Just sittin’ around waiting isn’t my style. If I’m gonna sulk, I rather do it at home.
[He mutters while trying to find another bottle of whiskey among the pile. His flippant demeanor is a little off-putting, but Hijikata knows him well enough to see past it. Rosen is pretending not to care because he doesn’t want to feel anything anymore. He doesn’t want to feel any of the sorrow or sadness deeply rooted within his heart.
He just wants to forget, and sadly, he doesn’t have enough booze for that.]
[Since Hijikata doesn't know most of the others well either he's a somewhat neutral party here and makes no attempt to protest Rosen's words - even if he wanted to, now probably wouldn't be the best time to try and change his mind. That being said, he isn't put off by Rosen's behaviour. Him being a bit dismissive and abrasive is definitely easier for him to handle than if he were either in total despair or in a "burn the wold down" mood.
He decides not to press him about what happened any further. The researchers were only willing to inform him that Saya "sadly passed away" during the experiment - which, going by the state of the room he managed to glance into as it was being cleaned of what looked to be blood splatter and (probably unsalvageable) burn damage, presumably didn't exactly do the event that unfolded there justice.]
How about we sulk at the beach instead? No one else is going to be there at this hour.
[It wouldn't make Rosen feel better, but at least he'd be breathing some clean air. A confined space does no good to a mind that's already wandering in spirals (and Hijikata knows all too well how much of a hypocrite he's being, because he would be all too likely to shut himself away in the same manner as Rosen if he were in his position, but hell, he promised Saya to look after him if anything happened to her - and he plainly cares about him, too).]
[Rosen was still hungover after drinking most of the night away. Instead of visiting the local pub with everyone else, Rosen just walked away. He left Yuri and the others in favor of solitude after that horrific ordeal. The last thing he wanted was to talk to anyone. He just didn’t care. The only person he truly loves just was killed right before his eyes, and everyone expects him to be okay with that. Yeah, no. That wasn’t going to happen.
So instead of dragging out the inevitable, Rosen left. He left them and went home with a couple of bottles of whiskey. It’s been days since Rosen last stepped outside of his apartment, completely going off the radar for a while. Hell, he even missed a couple of days of work after this whole tragedy. He just didn’t want to be bothered, not while he was grieving.
He was just laying across the couch when he heard the knock at the door. At first, he ignored the knock hoping the person at the other end would just leave. There have been quite a few people to pay him a visit, some well-meaning and some not. However, he ignored them in favor of solitude. He just didn’t want to be bothered, at all. Rosen doesn’t care what anyone thinks at this point, especially now.
He just wants to lay here in the dark. That’s all.
Just when he was about to drift to sleep, a familiar voice calls out to him that makes him jump to his feet.]
Saya?! [He calls towards the door in sheer disbelief.] No, that can’t possibly be—
[But what if it is Saya? Then what? Before Rosen could rationalize his thoughts, he was already yanking the door open.]
[ When she hears him call her name, her threatening tears start falling. She's almost unaware of them with how her focus is entirely on the closed door in front of her and she rests her hand against it since it's the closest she can get to the one she loves right now... unless she breaks it in. Don't think she hasn't thought of that, it would be so easy, and she needs him and he needs her, and-- ]
[ Her frantic thoughts are interrupted when the door flies open, leaving her hand hanging in the air. Tears are streaming down her face but despite that she looks perfect, wearing flowing white with her eyes -- entirely sane though sad and scared -- trained on him. ]
[ She reaches out to him, hand shaking, tentative. She's not certain he'll want her to touch him, but right now it's the only thing in the world that she wants; to comfort him, to comfort herself. Selfishness and selflessness in one single gesture. ]
[For a second, Rosenkrantz thought she was a ghost. While he wasn’t completely unaware of the trivialities of death here in Ellipsa, Rosen just doubted that Saya would return. The nature of her death was so visceral and violent that he just assumed she was gone forever. He could still remember the scent of her blood as Yuri violently tore through her neck with just one fell swoop. It all happened so fast. One minute Saya was snarling and hissing at him; the next second, she was dead.
The entire ordeal reminded him too much of how his daughter Deirdre died. It’s this stark similarity that caused him to halt his blade when Saya needed him most. The entire scenario was almost like a one-for-one reenactment except for minor details. It was terrifying enough to rattle Rosen’s spirit. That’s why he seems so surprised now to see Saya alive and well.
He stared at her for a long time, half expecting the woman to grow fangs and attack him, until she suddenly began to cry. It’s then that Rosen snaps out of his trance and embraces her. Saya isn’t dead; she isn’t dead.]
[ The disbelief and alarm on his face is almost too much to bear. All Saya wanted was a chance at a future, and look what she's done. She's hurting, but it's clear by the way Rosen stares at her that he's hurting far more. All she wants is to wrap herself around him and stroke his hair and kiss his face until he can smile again. ]
[ She's not sure if he wants that from her, is the problem. So Saya is still, her hand hanging in the air between them, tears trickling down her face. Waiting, hoping. ]
[ When at last he embraces her, she moves in one great rush to meet him, like the sudden surge of a spring after being wound too tight. Her hands grip his clothes and her face buries against his chest. ]
I'm here. [ She wants to fumble over endless apologies, and those may come soon, but just now that seems like what he needs to hear. Her vast experience with her dead loved ones reviving is instructive. ] I love you. I'm here.
Maid Cafe
Don't you look nice. [ She reaches out and fingers the hem of his vest. Not quite tugging him close, but considering it. ]
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You like? [He purrs while subtly siding his arm around her waist.] I thought you would.
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I like everything you wear. But yes, this caught my attention. Poor customers, they were supposed to be the center of my attention and my thoughts were on you.
[ Among others, but he'll come ahead of most of them. ]
And this? [ She glances down at her costume ] It's more my style to be giving the orders, but I have fun with the clothes at least.
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It brings me much joy to know I have my queen's attention.
[Rosen can't help but feel a bit smug about that. After all, he is the Arkana of Vainglory and he's terribly vain at times.]
Sometimes it's fun to take up other roles. It helps keep one humble and sharp.
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[ She has a very long list of bedmates but only one who serves her, and that is Special. ]
Far be it for me to overlook the gift that is humility, but I was fishing for compliments on the outfit. [ Anything but perfect shamelessness wouldn't suit her at all. Or him, really. ]
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And you are always within my thoughts too, a’rúnsearc. Within my thoughts and within my heart too.
[He let’s put a quiet hum as he gives her an affectionate squeeze.]
Oh, trust me! You don’t need to fish for compliments when you’re the most beautiful woman in the world. [A pause] Though, I may start singing ballads about your immense beauty just to make you blush.
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And what does that word mean, hm? I'll have to brush up on my Gaelic so I can appreciate you properly. Although here's a start:
[ She gives him a gentle tug to lean down so she can give him a kiss -- nothing too involved, alas, but the adoration is unmistakable. Saya can make the simplest kiss seem incredibly passionate, and this is one of those. It comes from doing everything with her whole heart. ]
I'm always pleased to hear how I look to your eyes. I'd have a hard time blushing from words alone, but you do have a silver tongue. I put nothing past it.
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[He whispers lovingly into her ear for only her to hear. It’s not a direct translation since the word itself actually means “secret love” but in his culture, it’s used more like “beloved” instead. Nevertheless, he figures that Saya will get a kick out of being called that. As much as he enjoys referring to her as his queen, he likes this more. That’s because most people don't know Gaelic.]
Lovely, no?
[Rosen questions as she gives him a little tug. The moment their lips touch, he nearly forgets himself. He lets his hands wander down her back, gently tugging at the ruffles of her cute little maid dress. Out of everyone in attendance, Saya looks the most darling in his opinion. Although, Yuri and Venti are quite fetching as well. However, his attention is always on Saya.]
What can I say? I always possessed a love for words and poetry alike. [He chuckles.] After all, I was once a bard.
[That silver tongue of his has saved him more than once in his perilous adventures. Rosen can be quite charming when he wants or needs to be.]
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[ Her arms wind around Rosen to keep him close even after their woefully simple kiss is eased to an end. For now. Those back rooms do have lovely collections of floor pillows and cozy blankets, once they're off the clock. Or one of them could remove their ribbons and contribute to the guild coffers... ]
Mm, so you've mentioned. I'll have to talk you into singing for me. [ Just for her. Karoke bars don't count for this. What she wants is something rather more intimate. ]
And don't offer. I want to convince you into it. [ Saya smiles at him in that way she has, innocent and flirtatious and sweet and conniving and utterly, utterly sure she can manage it. ]
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If you want to make me sing, I know a number of fun little things we could do.
[He’s being naughty right now but to be fair, so is she. Saya can bait her eyes as much as she likes. Rosenkrantz is quite aware of what his little queen is doing.]
However, I’m certain you’re creative enough to come up with your own ideas.
[He just hopes that Saya’s ideas are as lewd as his.]
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[ Worry not, her thoughts about creativity are exactly as lewd as his. This whole thing has her at her utmost coy and flirtatious, though at the moment she only has eyes for Rosen. ]
Meet me in the back room in three minutes? I have something to show you. ...Hmm, perhaps more than one thing, but first the one and then we'll see where things go.
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[He peeks over towards the doors on the far right of the cafe with a curious hum. So far no one seems to care about the two of them fooling around like this but if Saya has something to show him, that would probably be the best place. No one really heads back there right now, not with this many customers around. While he hasn’t had much in the means of clients, Rosen has been assisting the others with catering. That’s the least he could do to support the guild.]
Kinky. [He gives Saya a playful wink as he slowly untwines himself from her. It’s painful to do so but he doesn’t want others to start gossiping about them. Besides, they’re technically still within view of everyone. The last thing he wants is an audience.]
I hope whatever you’re showing me comes in the form of sexy black lace.
[No lie but he loves her taste in lingerie. It's just a shame it's always crumpled up on the floor whenever they get intimate.]
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Part of it, yes. [ Her smile says she knows what a tease that is. ]
Three minutes.
[ With that, she steps away, drawing her fingertips down the front of his shirt and waistcoat until she's too far away to touch him anymore, and disappears into one of the rooms. ]
[ When he makes his way in, he'll find that he's not the only one who can wear a jacket without a shirt. This was tailored for her male form so it's a bit oversized and leaves enough skin exposed to be scandalous without being explicitly revealing. She left her thigh-high stockings and heels on, because why not? ]
[ She favors him with a grin that says she knows exactly how gorgeous she looks, then turns so her back faces him and shimmies so the back neckline of the jacket drops a few inches at the same time she reaches up to brush her short hair away from her neck. At the nape of her neck is an intricate tattoo of one of his fire butterflies. ]
I do this with those who mean the most to me. [ Rosen has no doubt noticed the dragon on the back of her left shoulder, representing her husband, and the feather surrounded by musical notes on her right ankle (which represents Venti but since most people here don't know about his wings, she isn't about to say anything). ] So I'll always have you with me.
Like it?
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I don’t think anyone noticed. [He mumbles as he closes the door behind him.] Even if they did, I would just kick them in the teeth at this point–
[The comment dies on his tongue the second he sees Saya wearing nothing but that oversized jacket of hers and a pair of cute little stockings and heels. Rosen stares at her for a long moment, his eyes wide with surprise at this striking beauty standing before him. It seems he’s not the only one who likes to wander around without a shirt. Rosen can tell she isn’t wearing much under there.]
I didn’t think I would get a one-man show.
[He chuckles but quickly his laughter ceases once he notices the marks upon her body. Are those…tattoos? Rosen doesn’t recall her possessing any tattoos the last time they met, so maybe they’re new? Or maybe he just didn’t pay attention since—*ahem*. Whichever the case, Rosen is honestly a little surprised to see one of his iconic little red butterflies tattooed upon the nape of her neck.]
…Saya.
[A smile graces his lips as he inches over towards her.]
Like it? I…love it.
[He whispers while gently tracing his finger over the butterfly’s wings.]
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[ She has a certain weakness for those who ask with certain niceties after all. ]
[ She is still while he takes it in, traces the butterfly's delicate fiery wings. It seems he understands at least some of the honor this is intended to be. The ones she carries with her are the ones she loves most, those who she'll be most desperate to remember if she should sleep and forget them. ]
[ Finally, Saya turns her head just enough so he can see her face in profile, the fact that she's smiling. ]
Show me how much you love it.
Rosen & Hijikata (closed nsfw)
[Who gives a damn if someone starts a “rumour” about them? Rosen certainly doesn’t care judging from how he’s carrying on, especially now. However, he decides to take some pity on Hijikata here. That’s why instead of still fondling him in broad daylight, he reaches over to drag Hijikata into a convenient alley nearby. It’s a little seedy since it’s behind the convenience store they just left but it’s a suitable background for something as nefarious as this.
Rosen grins at Hijikata as he slams him up against the wall a second time. Yeah, he’s pretty strong isn’t he? Thankfully, he’s only using a fraction of his strength here. It’s not his intention to harm the police officer. In fact, he wants to do the complete opposite.]
How about here, then? [He questions as he purposely brushes his lips against Hijikata’s.] This should do, right? It’s not the most ideal spot but I doubt you’ll object.
[He blows a kiss at Hijikata as he fishes around in his pockets. After a bit of searching, he pries out what seems to be a silver little package. It’s the condom from earlier. Rosen rips the package open with his teeth with a playful smirk.]
Tell me, Hiji-love, when was the last time you had your dick sucked?
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He still struggles against Rosen's hold regardless - right up until he asks him that lewd question. All of a sudden he relaxes, and the glare on his face smooths out into smugness. Oh? So this is what Rosen wants? Honestly, Hijikata was at no point scared - he knows that Rosen would leave him be as soon as he earnestly asked him to stop. But much like sparring, much like drinking, this, too, is a competition to him, and he's far too bullheaded to give in, despite all the embarrassment of being made to squirm under Rosen's skilled hands.]
Don't call me that, bastard. Call me Hijikata, or I'll call you Rosy-posy.
[He's not actually answering the question, but... it's been a good while. Since he left Prismatica he's only been able to visit his remaining partner there ever so often, and only a couple of times after his stint on Avalon. Even with the convenience of always returning to the point where he left Edo, he can't spread himself too thin across the multiverse.]
Are you sure you want the condom? Don't you want to taste me?
[He sure did a fast 180° turn from telling Rosen to die to asking for no condom!! The prospect of getting a blowjob, even in this shitty location, is making him even harder.]
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Nevertheless, Rosen can’t help but notice how quickly Hijikata’s tune changes at the mention of felliato. It's a complete 180 from the blushing man that stood before him in the convenience store. How curious. Rosen doesn’t know how he feels about that but he’s definitely not giving Hijikata the satisfaction of squirting his spunk down his throat. Hell no. Rosen is in control here and whatever he says goes.]
How about a “No”. [He questions while ripping the condom pack open with his teeth.] I’ll only taste you if you let me fuck you, Hijikata.
[Rosen says before suddenly unzipping the officer’s fly as he slowly sinks down to his knees. He gives Hijikata a playful wink as he places the condom in between his teeth. No more playful quips from him. Rosen is about to get down to business. Oral sex is probably his favorite thing to do in the bedroom. He likes watching his partners come undone by his skillful tongue. Just ask Saya. She would leave him a great review if she could.]
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Fuck me? Now, what makes you think that's on the table? No one gets to fuck the Shinsengumi's Vice-Commander.
[He takes Rosen's half-braided hair and wraps it around his own palm, like a rope he wants to pull - but he doesn't, not yet at least. He wants to feel his hot mouth and tongue on him first.]
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A sly grin forms on his lips once he finally beholds Hijikata’s erection for the first time. It seems the poor bastard is already at half mast. How cute! He reaches around the officer’s cock and gives it a gentle stroke up from the base. A devious little grin settles on his lips as he arranges the condom in his mouth. After a brief moment or two, Rosenkrantz suddenly leans forward and swallows Hijikata’s cock whole in hopes of sliding the condom on.
Whether or not he’ll be successful depends on his gag reflex but so far, so good. He just hopes that Hijikata doesn’t pull too hard on his hair.]
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The stroke of Rosen's fingers makes him exhale softly... damn, this feels so nice. And then, just like that, the Arkana decides to take this from 0 (okay, not 0, but) to 100 by deep-throating him in one go (granted, it's not too deep of a plunge yet, with Hijikata not quite fully erect, but it's still a lot to take at once!).
He moans, allowing his eyes to fall shut for a moment - and, perhaps to Rosen's surprise, he lets go of his hair and instead puts both hands on the back of his head, caressing him rather than doing anything harsh. Maybe he changed his mind? Maybe he just needed this more than he realised? Who knows at this rate!]
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Anyways, Hijikata’s cock isn’t exaggeratedly big or anything but it does force his mouth to stretch a bit. He’s decently well-endowed from what he can tell and decently trimmed as well. That’s always a plus but what gets his attention is when Hijikata suddenly rests his hands behind his head. He peeks up at the officer with a little hum that vibrates from his throat. It seems that Hijikata is enjoying himself already and they’ve just started. Rosen attempts to push his limits and take more of Hijikata’s cock into his mouth but he abruptly stops once he feels himself gagging. The officer could probably feel himself convulsing a bit as he quickly pulled away for air.
Once he has a lungful, Rosen dives back into action once more to feel that wonderful stretch again. He starts to suck vigorously on Hijikata’s erection, his lips moist as he continues to suck him off. Although, he needs to be a bit careful since his canines are a little sharp.]
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That aside he keeps himself so busy that he barely ever remembers to take care of himself, so Rosen will find his ballsack full and taut. He doesn't have enough time to complain or tease Rosen as he has to pull away, given that he's back on it in a second, making Hijikata's breath catch in his throat as he leans back against the wall.]
Mmmm...
[Rosen find Hijikata an easy partner, frankly. He's really relishing the sensations of his lips and tongue, the suction and warmth, and struggling to keep his hips still.]
Closed to Yuri (cw: nsfw)
Fuck the cosmos.
[He states with a toothy grin once they enter the bathhouse. It’s a little misty and hot here because of the water. Just the perfect temperature for a late evening romp in the bath. It takes all his willpower not to just toss Yuri into the water. As amusing as that would be, he would hate to ruin his handsome attire.]
I’ll make you see something better than some stupid looking stars.
[He’s talking about his dick, boy. Yuri is about to see just how hard he is.]
C’mon, get off and strip.
<3 <3
One more nipping kiss: ]
Don't make promises you can't keep.
[ His hands are already tugging the knot in his obi belt loose, though, and his shoulders roll to shrug out of both vest and shirt in one fell swoop.
Lean muscle, hard abs, the swell of hips and ass much more visible now: he's pretty damn hourglassy, really, though his shoulders are broader. ]
Backdated to June 25th
Rosen never told Hijikata his apartment number, but a policeman has his ways. So he ends up in front of his door, knocking. Part of him hopes that Rosen isn't actually at home. He, himself, wouldn't be able to stand being alone after losing a partner so cherished and beloved. But if he is here, then Hijikata wants to keep his promise to Saya and be there for him.
He knocks again.]
Rosen? Are you there? It's Hijikata.
[His voice probably gave that away.]
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Should he keep loving Saya despite this weakness, or should he prioritize his strength and end things before this weakness worsens? This is the question that plagues his mind as he lingers within this dark apartment. He hasn’t been outside in days, unwilling to face the scores of people who loved Saya dearly. While Rosen realizes he’s not alone in his grief, it’s difficult for him to share this grief with others. He would much rather be alone, or so he claims.
That’s not entirely true, though. Especially since he still has Ciaran with him. The large black dog was curled up on his side when it heard the knock at the door. Ciaran lets out a quiet bark before glancing at Rosen. The dog lets out a noisy whine as it hops off the sofa, making a beeline for the door. Ciaran lets out another bark when Hijikata announces himself, almost inviting the man inside but it’s Rosen who finally wakes up from his drunken stupor to open the door.]
Oh, it’s....you.
[A breathy chuckle escapes Rosen once he realizes who it was. It’s been a while since he last seen Hijikata. Since that whole memory-sharing bullshit, Rosen been making himself scarce. He doesn’t like having his memories or feelings on display. It’s embarrassing for him, especially since he often prided himself on shutting such emotions out. However, it seems he’s not as different as everyone else. Immortal or not, Rosen still feels pain and still bleeds.]
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When Rosen opens the door he puts on a faint smile (and pets Ciaran after letting him sniff him - he gets along well with dogs, generally; he kind of is one too after all, partly, sometimes).]
Yeah. I wanted to see how you're holding up. How come you're here and not at the Flower Yard?
[He'd have expected Rosen there, waiting under Saya's larger-than-life rose. But he's far from reproaching him. Witnessing her death - or bringing it about; he doesn't know the details - can't have been an easy thing to stomach at all, if the Saya doppelgänger he encountered and immolated/beheaded alongside the real Saya is any indication.]
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On the contrary, his dog seems to be in good spirits. Ciaran sniffs Hijikata briefly before suddenly nuzzling his head against the man’s leg. Poor Ciaran has no idea what’s happening right now, but the extra company is welcoming. Rosen hasn’t been himself lately, and his faithful hound has noticed, judging from its worried whine.]
Cause I don’t want to fuckin’ go there.
[Rosen grumbles with a huff as he steps away from the door. Whether or not Hijikata enters is up to him. He doesn’t care either way.]
I don’t wanna do anything right now, especially not with those folks.
[He flops back onto the sofa with a sigh before kicking a discarded bottle off the cushions. It’s a bit of a mess in here. There are scattered whiskey bottles all over the living room, including a few cans of beer. It seems Rosen was trying to drink himself into a coma earlier. That’s no good.]
Those are Saya’s people, not mine.
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He quietly listens to what Rosen says. Honestly, he didn't really think about how well Rosen would know the others - Saya's husband, her other lovers, her friends, those who have literally been through hell with her. Apparently he feels a rift that prevents him from joining them as they wait for her rebirth. That's alright, as far as Hijikata is concerned... unless something specific happened before, during, or after the experiment to prompt that feeling from Rosen.]
You don't know them well either?
[He knows some names and faces - Kantera, Yuri, Venti, many more he can't quite recall ad hoc, surely some people he does know who may or may not have been involved in the extensive preparations -, but out of her inner circle he's only spoken to Venti (and Rosen himself, of course).]
...
What happened? You don't have to tell me, but if you want to...
[If he can understand at least roughly what occurred, he may find some words of confidence, maybe.]
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[He’s speaking from a place of hurt right now, so his words can’t be trusted. Rosen feels terrible about what happened to Saya, but worst of all, he blames himself for it. The man also blames some of her know-it-all friends. He really thought that if all of them tried together, they could’ve saved Saya from such a brutal end. Sadly, nothing ever seems to go as planned, and now he has to live with the horrific image of his beloved queen being decapitated by the one man he trusts.]
Just sittin’ around waiting isn’t my style. If I’m gonna sulk, I rather do it at home.
[He mutters while trying to find another bottle of whiskey among the pile. His flippant demeanor is a little off-putting, but Hijikata knows him well enough to see past it. Rosen is pretending not to care because he doesn’t want to feel anything anymore. He doesn’t want to feel any of the sorrow or sadness deeply rooted within his heart.
He just wants to forget, and sadly, he doesn’t have enough booze for that.]
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He decides not to press him about what happened any further. The researchers were only willing to inform him that Saya "sadly passed away" during the experiment - which, going by the state of the room he managed to glance into as it was being cleaned of what looked to be blood splatter and (probably unsalvageable) burn damage, presumably didn't exactly do the event that unfolded there justice.]
How about we sulk at the beach instead? No one else is going to be there at this hour.
[It wouldn't make Rosen feel better, but at least he'd be breathing some clean air. A confined space does no good to a mind that's already wandering in spirals (and Hijikata knows all too well how much of a hypocrite he's being, because he would be all too likely to shut himself away in the same manner as Rosen if he were in his position, but hell, he promised Saya to look after him if anything happened to her - and he plainly cares about him, too).]
June 29 until whenever
It's me. Let me in... please.
[ If he doesn't answer, that's fine. She'll wait. ]
I'm so sorry about what happened. If you need time, I understand. I'll be out here until you're ready.
[ Unless he tells her to get lost, she has no intention of leaving. ]
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So instead of dragging out the inevitable, Rosen left. He left them and went home with a couple of bottles of whiskey. It’s been days since Rosen last stepped outside of his apartment, completely going off the radar for a while. Hell, he even missed a couple of days of work after this whole tragedy. He just didn’t want to be bothered, not while he was grieving.
He was just laying across the couch when he heard the knock at the door. At first, he ignored the knock hoping the person at the other end would just leave. There have been quite a few people to pay him a visit, some well-meaning and some not. However, he ignored them in favor of solitude. He just didn’t want to be bothered, at all. Rosen doesn’t care what anyone thinks at this point, especially now.
He just wants to lay here in the dark. That’s all.
Just when he was about to drift to sleep, a familiar voice calls out to him that makes him jump to his feet.]
Saya?! [He calls towards the door in sheer disbelief.] No, that can’t possibly be—
[But what if it is Saya? Then what? Before Rosen could rationalize his thoughts, he was already yanking the door open.]
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[ Her frantic thoughts are interrupted when the door flies open, leaving her hand hanging in the air. Tears are streaming down her face but despite that she looks perfect, wearing flowing white with her eyes -- entirely sane though sad and scared -- trained on him. ]
[ She reaches out to him, hand shaking, tentative. She's not certain he'll want her to touch him, but right now it's the only thing in the world that she wants; to comfort him, to comfort herself. Selfishness and selflessness in one single gesture. ]
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The entire ordeal reminded him too much of how his daughter Deirdre died. It’s this stark similarity that caused him to halt his blade when Saya needed him most. The entire scenario was almost like a one-for-one reenactment except for minor details. It was terrifying enough to rattle Rosen’s spirit. That’s why he seems so surprised now to see Saya alive and well.
He stared at her for a long time, half expecting the woman to grow fangs and attack him, until she suddenly began to cry. It’s then that Rosen snaps out of his trance and embraces her. Saya isn’t dead; she isn’t dead.]
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[ She's not sure if he wants that from her, is the problem. So Saya is still, her hand hanging in the air between them, tears trickling down her face. Waiting, hoping. ]
[ When at last he embraces her, she moves in one great rush to meet him, like the sudden surge of a spring after being wound too tight. Her hands grip his clothes and her face buries against his chest. ]
I'm here. [ She wants to fumble over endless apologies, and those may come soon, but just now that seems like what he needs to hear. Her vast experience with her dead loved ones reviving is instructive. ] I love you. I'm here.