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[bakegarasu]

For private messages and other such threads.

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[heavensnight]

[Maria lets the words sink in and she does realize that it being another man does complicate things.]

And you just realized all of this now, huh? Your feelings. I'm sorry. I'm sorry they weren't something you could act on.

[bakegarasu]

Recently, yeah. I don't... know where he is now, if anywhere, but I hope he's happy.

[Sure, reincarnation's a neat idea and he knows yokai exist now, but the certainties of what happens after death? No idea.]

[He looks down at his hands and taps his fingers against the table, almost nervously.]

I just... feelings are complicated. When I was little it was best to pretend I didn't have any at all. When I was a teen it was mostly anger. As an adult it was mostly murderous glee if anything. ... But now I'm free to have whatever emotions I want.

[heavensnight]

[Maria lifts her glass.] To his happiness then. I hope he's happy, too. [she takes a sip and then listens to what he has to say. there's a huff of laughter.]

Feelings are complicated. Especially when it comes to things like love and how you might feel about things. [she puts an elbow up on the bar and smiles at him when she rests her head on her hand.]

You can have whatever feelings you want and some you don't want.

[bakegarasu]

[He takes a sip too, just sitting in silence for a moment.]

... They are.

[Otoha leans against her gently and closes his eyes.]

You're allowed things like that too. Just so we're clear. ... I want you to be able to be happy. You're important to me, okay? And I'm going to make sure you feel wanted. ... I want to be good to you, because you're good to me.

[heavensnight]

[Maria doesn't know what she should say or do in this situation. all of her existence has been playing a role and while she has realized that she doesn't have to do that here, it still leaves her at a loss.

she didn't think she'd done anything to stand out to Otoha.]

I don't think I've done anything that's amazing. I've treated you like anybody should be treated. [from what he's said, though, he's never been treated well. neither has she and if she's honest, she doesn't know how to act. what to do. what her own feelings are right now.]

[bakegarasu]

... It's different, coming from you.

[He listens to her breathing, the movement of her shirt... it's quiet in their little corner aside from the normal bar sounds. ... It's nice.]

You're... you balance being kind and being realistic really well. And you're someone I can trust with... pretty much anything, I think. So... I'm glad you're here.

[heavensnight]

I'm glad I'm here, too. And I got to meet you.

[it is a quiet moment and she presses a kiss to the side of his head.]

[bakegarasu]

[His cheeks burn a little bit and he opens his eyes, slipping his arm around her back and holding her close.]

You're amazing, Maria.

... I think I need another drink, though.

[He gestures for the bartender to come over and refill his glass. ... He can feel himself starting to relax a little - something to be careful of, but still.]

[heavensnight]

[she likes his touch. likes how he holds her close.

and it seems like she has some things to consider herself.]

Mm, liquid courage?

[bakegarasu]

I don't need liquid courage to talk to you.

[And that's the weird part - she's just so comfortable to talk to. It's so strange.]

In fact, I don't usually drink very much around people I don't trust. ... Paranoia, maybe, but it's not without reason.

[heavensnight]

[Maria considered part of her purpose to be easy to talk to. James wouldn't agree, he'd probably say Maria made him feel the exact opposite, but she was supposed to be comforting. she'd always tried to be.]

Not a bad motto to live by, you know. People do dumb shit when they're drunk so I don't think it's paranoid of you. Not where you're from anyway.

[bakegarasu]

Yeah, I've seen a lot of stupid shit happen when people are drunk. It's hard to be prepared for battle that way, but... yeah.

[He takes a deep breath and nods as another round's brought over to him. He takes a long sip.]

... You wouldn't hurt me unless I deserved it.

[heavensnight]

You sure do have a lot of faith in me.

[it's a nice change of pace.]

[bakegarasu]

Why wouldn't I? You've never shown yourself to be anything other than trustworthy.

[heavensnight]

You just aren't someone that trusts easily, are you? It makes me happy to know you do trust me.

[bakegarasu]

No, I'm not. ... But I'm glad to have someone I'm able to trust.

[He squeezes her arm briefly before letting go.]