048 [Voice | Action]

[ahappylie]

...oh. They really did leave me in the woods.

...

I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

[Souji's back from his mallynap as a kid; a kid totally opposite of what he's usually like. He vaguely remembers Luceti and is wandering around in the woods on the edge of town, confused and dragging his journal around.]

Comments

[action] yay backdating!

[screwthegods]

[Homura has learned a great deal about Ayumu during the course of the relationship, including answers to questions he's never asked. Many of those involve her rule of the kitchen, best summed up as "absolute" for any wishing to take part in Ayumu's meals. Homura is no exception to that, which he finds part of the woman's charm. He knows this because he's pushed the boundaries by being late, and gone hungry for his trouble. Still, gods can't die of starvation, and sometimes pushing her boundaries can be entertaining.

But not that night. When Homura gets Ayumu's message telling him not only of Okita's return, but his present condition thanks to the Malnosso. It's unfortunate, but something that can only be endured until its passing.

When Homura enters the house, it's as someone who is familiar and comfortable there: without knocking, or otherwise alerting anyone that he's coming in. His presence is fairly established by this time, and the house largely empty besides. And of course, he's curious to see how Okita is doing at present.]

Re: [action] yay backdating!

[ahappylie]

[Ugh what is with people barging in. Soujirou was busy cleaning the living room when someone walked into the house. He looks up from his sweeping, takes in the stranger, and then looks away, going back to what he was doing.]

[action]

[screwthegods]

[Well, when they practically live there, it's just what they do. And when that person is Homura, he also stops and measures up the child.

D'aw. How tiny and cute.]

Okita, correct?

[action]

[ahappylie]

[He stops, tightening his grip on the broom. There's no one to hide behind though and so he simply nods and keeps sweeping.]

...Soujirou.

Re: [action]

[screwthegods]

Soujirou, then.

[Wow. How incredibly different he is at this age. Nothing that Homura is a stranger to, mind, but still, it's striking to see.]

Ayumu's already put you to work.

Re: [action]

[ahappylie]

[He keeps sweeping, pushing what little dust and lint there is into a small pile. He doesn't know if he's supposed to say anything to answer the 'put to work' thing, so he doesn't at first. Instead, he leans down, using a small metal pan to sweep the dust up.]

...yes.

Re: [action]

[screwthegods]

[How dedicated this boy is to his chores. Homura can only wonder just what inspired such a change in the Okita of the past versus the present, but that will of course have to wait. Instead, he continues to watch, and if necessary, follow after the child.]

Is that why you're so stoic, or is there another reason?

Re: [action]

[ahappylie]

Must there be a reason?

[He finishes sweeping up the dust and carries the pan over to a dust bin, dropping it in as carefully as possible.]

You didn't introduce yourself.

Re: [action]

[screwthegods]

Of course. Even if you say that it's your nature, it's still a reason.

[Diligent, quiet, and well-mannered: not words that Homura would use to describe the Okita he knows.]

I didn't. You also didn't ask.

Re: [action]

[ahappylie]

Because it's manners to introduce yourself. I suppose I was wrong to expect them from someone just because they are an adult.

[After dumping the pan of dust, he goes back to sweeping another part of the living room. As for reasons, he'll keep them to himself.]

Re: [action]

[screwthegods]

[At least that secrecy is one thing he has in common with his adult-self. Homura still follows, more than willing to watch the child.]

It is polite, but it wouldn't have served my purpose. I'm Homura.

Re: [action]

[ahappylie]

[Why is this guy following him? It's weird and it makes him think he isn't supposed to be here. Okita stops and turns, looking up at him.]

Is there a reason you're following me? It's creepy.

Re: [action]

[screwthegods]

[That earns a laugh from Homura.]

Is it really? I'm following you because I'm curious. I've no intention of doing you any harm.

Re: [action]

[ahappylie]

[He takes a step away, holding the broom a little closer.]

...It is. Only strange people stare at children like that.

Re: [action]

[screwthegods]

Then I suppose that makes me strange, doesn't it?

[Is the child afraid? It is highly likely that Okita doesn't possess the same skill with a sword at this age.]

But you should believe me when I say that it isn't my goal to hurt you. I'd have already done so by now if it was.

Re: [action]

[ahappylie]

[Yeah that doesn't make him feel any better, Homura. He moves away again and starts to skirt off toward the kitchen.]

..........