seasonsrpg | welcome home

Entry tags:

welcome home

Who: Venti, Yuri, Saya, Lumine, and Kantera
What: A moment of respite
When: March 4th
Where: A house at the far edge of Blossomcrown
Warnings: Probably mentions of previous game trauma/violence

[ Venti has always been the type who wanders to the beat of his own drum, dipping in and out of people's lives as easily as the blowing wind. But Tokyo-F . . . changed things, somewhat.

Though his initial instinct had been to sleep under a tree and call it "home," an invitation to live with old friends put a halt to those plans. For starters, it would be protection from the unpredictable weather in the segments. For another, maybe he did get used to having a bed and a room to call "home," in no small part because of the teammates and friends who inhabited it with him. Now that solitary tree feels . . . lonely, in a way it didn't before.

And so here he is, standing at the threshold of a house full of people he loves and trusts, who asked him to stay . . . it makes him feel his age, but not in a bad way, for once. Nor does he feel that nagging urge to disappear into the wind.

Should he catch anyone watching him, the pensive expression dissolves into a smile. ]

Hehe, is this the part where we fight over bedrooms?

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[Rosen can't help but strike a pose once Saya opens the door. He’s such a goof sometimes but it warms his heart to see Saya so overjoyed to see him. Without a second thought, Rosen scoops her up within his arms and gives her a little twirl while minding those expensive roses he brought. He then sets Saya down before offering her the bouquet.]

A rose for a rose, right? [He can't help but grin at his corny little joke.] Ah, well! I would've been here sooner if I didn't get...lost.

[More like he was sightseeing the entire time. He tends to wander quite a bit sometimes. It's habit of his, not a bad one but he's sometimes easily distracted.]

You have such a lovely home! It's almost fitting for a queen.

[ He can goof as much as he likes so long as he's willing to twirl her around and bring her flowers. She accepts the roses while giving him a flirtatious look from beneath her eyelashes. ]

How sweet, and fitting coming from you. Thank you. [ Her free hand reaches up to coax him down into a quick kiss. ]

Come in, I'm sure we have something to put these in.

[ Into the house they go! It's a five bedroom house, quite clean but substantially more lived-in than Rosen's posh apartment. There are absolutely baked goods in the kitchen which are in various states of being consumed. ]

[ As soon as she sets the flowers down, Saya stoops to greet his huge dog. ] C'mere and say hello to me, Ciaran. [ She has her eyes flash their glowing red because unlike other animals, Ciaran won't mind. It bonds them in a strange way. ]

As far getting lost, you'll have to make your way out more often to learn the route. I missed you.

[Rosen can’t help but look so proud once Saya accepts the bouquet. He knew she liked roses or else she would’ve never picked a rose like him. He leans down for his well-deserved smooch, quick to return his affections with one of his own. However, he’s mindful not to get too caught up in the moment. After all, Saya’s dear friends might be watching.]

Oh, are these lovely treats for everyone?

[ He asks once he sees the baked goods in the kitchen. Some of the cookies and the lies have been nibbled on already but there’s a fresh batch of scones sitting nearby. He likes scones, especially when they’re fresh out the oven. Rosen grabs one of them and takes a generous bite as his dog strolls right over towards Saya when called.

The hound in question looks terribly excited to see her. Ciaran’s tail hasn’t stopped wagging since Saya met them at the door and now his fluffy black tail is wagging even more now that she called him. The dog rubs his head against Saya’s leg before circling her excitedly. If she was worried about this peculiar faerie hound hating her, then she is quite mistaken.]

I missed you as well, my dear. [Rosen says before glancing down at Ciaran who is still excitingly circling her.] As did he, though I fear he wants a treat.

[That damn dog is going to get fat at this rate. Every time Rosen takes Ciaran anywhere, it wants a treat. If there’s one thing that this dog loves more than anything in the world, it’s food.]

[ Historically roses unnerved her a bit, though they're growing on her by the moment. Blue roses still might, but fortunately they're rare. Amnesia messes with you, is all that is. But red is very much her color, and roses suit him so well, of course she loves them. He could have brought her a basket of live insects and she'd find a way to love it because of who brought them for her. In any case, the roses get put into cold water and arranged with surprising care on the dining room table. ]

They are. Help yourself. You're welcome to anything here except my husband. [ Friendly flirting is fine there, but hands off. Those are two parts of her life that are not for mixing. (Her other housemates, she could care less. So long as she's the priority, she has no interest in making a thing of what else he gets up to. Her possessive side only stretches so far.) ]

[ Ciaran gets thoroughly petted and given some leftover roast from the fridge -- in moderate amounts, it's fine. She and this dog get along for many reasons and love of food is one. ] He knows I can't resist him. Either of you.

[ Saya then makes her way over to Rosen and slings an arm around his waist to tug him closer. ] What have you been doing while you weren't visiting me? [ She's still smiling prettily at him, this isn't a dig or anything but being playful. ] I assume you conquered a few of the quests.

[It’s a good thing Rosen prefers red roses over anything else. While blue roses are indeed highly valued, he’s forever enamored with the color red. Besides, these roses perfectly match Saya’s glowing eyes. He wanted to give her something that held some form of meaning between them. Between her lovely crimson eyes and his colorful alias, Rosen just figured that there was no better flower to offer Saya other than this timeless symbol of love and devotion.

He can’t help but smile as she places the bouquet within a tall vase at the center of the table. While he won’t say it, Rosen is thrilled at the idea of Saya displaying it for all to see. It makes him swell with pride and ensures that her roommates will be talking about them.]

Fair enough. [He manages to comment after helping himself to that biscuit.] It’s not my intention to ruffle my queen’s feathers—

[He pauses briefly.]

Unless she wants me to.

[He’s as loyal as they come. Rosen will treat Saya’s words as law here. While he can be a bit flirtatious at times, he’s anything but a homewrecker. Besides, Rosen is as loyal as they come, much like his faithful hound.

Mentioning Ciaran, the dog is already making short work of his snack. It seems this overgrown mutt really likes the roast. Then again, this dog tends to like anything that is even remotely edible. Rosen would know since this mangy mutt made short work of a pair of slippers he purchased the other day. He’s still a bit sore about it but Saya’s delightful presence distracts from thinking too deeply about Ciaran’s shenanigans as of late.]

You know me so well, dear Saya. [He answers with a grin as he holds her within his arms.] I decided to put all my gloatin’ and showboatin’ to work in order to make a few coins.

I managed to make a sizable profit but I need more.

[Life here in Ellipsa is expensive, okay? Nothing comes cheap and Rosen has hoity-toity fashion tastes. It’s a terrible combination, one that will ravish his finances if he doesn’t stop it.]

And what about you, my dear? Anything interesting as of late? I know many of us new arrivals are still trying to find out proverbial sea legs.

[ Saya smiles sweetly at his assent that he won't be closer with her husband than she likes -- truly, it's not a matter of homewrecking that's at issue, it's not wanting to share either of them. Queens are possessive by nature, is all, and she has to draw a line somewhere. But seeing as she has no inclination to stop seeing any of her various bedmates, she's not about to deny Rosen the same privilege... unless one of them threatens to come between them. That is another line she'd draw. The relationship between Queen and Servant is a special one, not to be outclassed. So far, Rosen is very good at showing her that he values and adores her above all others. As long as that remains true, he'll have a very long leash. ]

I figured your talents would be best put to use out on such adventures. [ She gives him a subtle squeeze. ] Perhaps we could partake in one together, sometime. Camping out with you for a few days sounds far too pleasant to believe we'd be paid for it. [ In any of the non-Summer segments, she'd be sure he kept warm. ]

Not that I'd turn down the money, of course. I have to pay Venti's bar tabs somehow. [ The glint in her eye says that yes, she knows exactly how much Rosen and Venti drank the other day, and also exactly how that went for Rosen. She and Venti have a close connection, after all. ]

[A chuckle escapes Rosen once Saya mentions his alleged "talents". He's a rather talented fellow, isn't he? More than one. While Rosen realizes he's not the most powerful being here in this odd world, he's definitely one of the more skilled fighters around. Even so, Rosen feels the need to better hone his abilities as of late. While he’s not a sore loser, he’s a little miffed at the thought of practically three battles in a row. To be fair, one of those battles ended in a tie but Rosen is quite dissatisfied with himself. Nevertheless, he hides this truth with a jovial mask. There’s no need to worry Saya about all that, is there?]

Camping doesn’t sound like a bad idea. [He mutters while trying to think of where they could go.] I’ve been rather curious about visiting the Segments as of late.

Maybe it’s because I’m getting a little bored of playing “house” in town.

[Rosen isn’t much of a homebody. He likes to go out and enjoy a drink or two with friends or cause some trouble at a local pub. Even so, that’s not enough to keep his attention. Unlike the Dreamscape that’s constantly changing and evolving, Nightwake City just stays the same making it far too easy for him to become bored and listless.]

Eh?!

[He blinks a little once she mentions the spoony bard. Wait, is she–No way! Rosen lets out a long-suffering groan.]

Lemme guess, you know the spoony bastard as well.

I think there's some fun to be had out in the Segments. There's plenty of monsters to kill and secret places to find.

[ She quite likes the idea of laying on his shoulder by a campfire after a long day of adrenaline. Sounds nearly perfect. Too bad she can't cook, but she can carry a good deal so prepared food it is. ]

Venti? He lives here. He's very important to me. [ She sounds nothing but amused at the thought that Venti got on Rosen's irritable side. He does that. ]

He saved my life, too. In a way.

[ Hm... ]

[ Her demeanor shifts a bit, subtly. Amused delight curdling into a soft sadness. Her time with Rosen has been all fighting and bonding and sex and a bit light on explaining what's going to happen with her. ]

[ Well. No time like the present. ]

Mind taking a detour? I want to show you were you'll be staying if you ever want to spend the night with me here.

[ A bit more quietly, ] And there are some things I should tell you about my species.

[Just the idea of Venti saving anyone other than his own skin seems impossible to him. Then again, that’s a harsh assessment of someone he barely knows. The bard isn’t all that bad. After all, he’s a great lay–hm. Maybe he shouldn’t be thinking about that right now. He came here to see how Saya was doing, not think about boning the spoony bard again.]

Ah, that explains it then. [Judging from the sheer disbelief in his tone, Rosen is slowly beginning to realize that Nightwake is a very small town. He’s bound to bump into a couple of people he met before, including the little green gremlin in question.] I better make this visit scarce before that little fiend tries to get my goat.

[He’s joking, of course. Rosen quite likes it here and he’s in no hurry to leave. Nevertheless, he can’t help but look a bit confused by that sudden shift in Saya’s tone. Just what in the hells is going on here? Did he say something wrong?]

Ah, sure! I don’t mind a brief detour or two.

[He laughs in hopes of dispelling the sudden awkwardness between them. However, his laughter ceases once she says the following.]

Your species? Ah, right…you’re a little more than just fangs and claws.

[ She laughs at the thought of Rosen fleeing from anyone or anything. She knows how Venti can get, and she happens to adore him for it, but she can see how it could rub someone wrong (as well as right, because yes he is a great lay isn't he?) ]

Good. This way. [ She loops her arm through his and remains close at hand as she leads him into her spare bedroom, because she's not upset with him in the slightest. It's a deeper feeling than that, unfortunately. ]

[ The bedroom she leads him into is possibly more his taste than the bright and homey nature of the rest of the house. Dark furniture, dark sleek bedsheets, flowing curtains. Saya settles herself on the edge of the bed and pats the spot next to her. If he sits, she'll remain touching him, a hand on his arm or leg. Little points of contact to try and be reassuring. ]

I'm a lot more than fangs and claws. There has to be a downside to all my abilities, and it's a rough one.

[He's perfectly content to let Saya lead the way. It gives him the brief opportunity to commit the entire layout of this beautiful home to memory. A part of him wishes he picked out a house for him in Blossomcrown over his lonely loft. However, he doesn’t know many people he would want to share such a home with outside of Saya and maybe a few notable others. Then again, he’s not really good with sharing. The man is horribly territorial when it comes down to his own space

A thoughtful hum escapes Rosen once they enter the bedroom, his mismatched gaze scanning over everything with a faint hint of appreciation. This bedroom contrasts greatly with the rest of her bright and sunny home due to its dark color scheme. It feels more mature than the rest of the home and certainly more to his style. Rosen can’t help but think she had him in mind when she designed this bedroom. If so, well done!

All discussion about interior design aside, Rosen chooses to sit down beside Saya once she takes to the bed. Isn’t this a familiar scene? If it wasn’t for the sincerity in her tone, Rosen would’ve assumed this to be a prelude of an afternoon romp. However, something warns him that’s not the case.. The distant look within Saya’s eyes alarms him. Something is definitely wrong here and he’s intent on finding out what.]

Is there? [He questions with an arched brow as he reaches for her hand.] If so, tell me. I can tell there’s something plaguing your thoughts.

[ Afternoon romps can still happen, depending. Saya always finds comfort in touch, in adrenaline, so it wouldn't be amiss after this heavy discussion. However, she recognizes that not everyone feels that way. Especially after they have to hear something like this. She takes his offered hand and holds it. ]

I never explained to you exactly what sort of inhuman I am. The word for my species is Chiropteran, it means bat. The word I use most commonly, because people know it, is vampire, because I survive by drinking blood. I don't love the word, honestly, it invokes too many stories, ideas that I can't go in the sunlight or that I don't have a reflection. But my species is very different than that.

One of the differences is that I hibernate. I get more tired, sleep more and more, until one day I don't wake up. This will happen over the next several months, perhaps a year if I'm very fortunate. Once I enter my Long Sleep, it's decades before I wake. At least twenty-five years, perhaps as many as fifty.

The reason I don't know exactly how long I sleep is that I don't have all my memories. When I wake from my Long Sleep, I have amnesia. I remember nothing of my life before, not even how to speak. I'm reduced to instinct and base impulses.

[ She gives his hand a gentle squeeze. Her long hibernation and amnesia is difficult for her, but it's more so for those around her. She hates that she'll cause everyone around her such pain. ]

I'm trying to find a way to stop myself from sleeping. With the magic in this world, there might be something. But time is short, and I don't know... [ if she can avoid sleeping this time. If she can keep her precious memories and the life she's building. The thought of losing everything again is nearly too much to bear. ]

[This is difficult for him to digest and it shows. Rosen lets out a tense sigh as Saya begins to explain more about herself. While he’s already aware that she’s some sort of vampire, this…all of this comes as a surprise. He had no idea that such a word held so many negative connotations to Saya, especially once she started explaining more about herself. He’s thankful he hasn’t used the word around her much. The last thing he wants to do is offend the poor woman. However, he wasn’t quite prepared for what she told him next.]

You…hibernate? [He questions with a look of skepticism in his tone.] You hibernate for that…that long?

[Normally, time means nothing for an immortal like him. Hell, Rosen can barely notice the flow of time anymore. He’s been alive for centuries now since his defeat by the hands of King Conchobar in this strange twilight between life and death. Yet just the thought of being without Saya for the next twenty to almost fifty years makes him balk in disbelief. It’s shocking, quite shocking since the two of them just forged this relationship between them. Just the sheer thought of losing Saya so suddenly stuns him to his core.

For the first time in a long time, Rosen is absolutely speechless. He sits there for a long time in complete silence, his gaze unreadable. He doesn’t know what to say. It’s such a terrible, terrible surprise.]

You’re going to forget everything? [He finally blurts out after a long uncomfortable silence.] You’re going to forget about all this? All of your friends, and everything you’ve built together with them?

[A pause.]

You’re going to forget me?

[This has to be some sort of sick joke. It has to be! Rosen’s mind is reeling, utterly reeling. This reminds him too much of the curse he has to bear. It reminds him exactly of the curse the Fair Folks placed on him. He stares at Saya for a long while, his gaze searching for any answers she might have for this but he sees none. While there’s a chance they could perhaps forestall her hibernation, Saya speaks as if it's merely the evitable.

It’s enough to make his heart sink.]

[ No matter how many times she sees her closest ones react to this, she'll never be ready for it. The terrible impotent fear of not being able to comfort them and make everything okay. ]

[ Seeing Rosen, the strong and passionate man who swore himself to her, look and sound so despondent is more than she can bear. She lets go of him to cup his face in both of her hands. ]

Listen to me. [ Her head weaves around, ducking if she must, until she forces him to lock his gaze with hers, to take in the pleading yet determined look in her eyes. ]

I'm going to fight it with everything I have. Several otherworlders have offered to help me with it, change my genes permanently so I never hibernate again. Because the last thing I want in the world is to forget you. [ Or anyone else. ]

We'll find a way. [ She can't promise, but she can promise not to give up. So he shouldn't either, not until her eyes shut for the last time. ]

And if we don't, my memories aren't entirely gone forever. If you're there when I wake, some part of me will know you, recognize that you're important to me.

I can't make this okay, but I need you with me. That won't change, not ever.

[Just how is everything going to be “okay” when something like this is looming over her head? Is there a way to stop this impromptu hibernation from beginning? Is there really any way to stop this? Rosen has battled against his fair share of foes before but he never battled against something like this. Out of all the horrendous shit he has endured up until now, he honestly doesn’t know what he can do to stop Saya from falling into this death-like slumber.

He averts his gaze from her, his eyes distant as he tries to think of something he could do to stop this but he's drawing a blank. Rosen is a warrior. The only thing he knows how to do is fight and keep on fighting. However, this is an enemy he can’t exactly win against, nevertheless fight. He lets out a deep sigh as Saya tries to comfort him, doing his best to blink back the tears that threaten to fall.

This isn’t fair. No, not at all. While Saya speaks positively about those who’ve offered to assist her, Rosen knows there’s no guarantee that any of this will work. It’s hypothetical, at best. Even so, it’s better than doing nothing.]

Of course, I’m with you–[He finally whispers as he leans forward to rest his forehead against hers.] Without a doubt.

I just fear that…something might go terribly wrong.

[ Saya can see and feel him despairing, she's seen and felt it herself too often to mistake it. It's her job to be a comfort, if she can. Of the many reasons she wants to fend off her Long Sleep, this is near the top. She can't bear to see Rosen mourn her. ]

[ She strokes through his long hair when he leans against her. Her touch gentle but sure. Her other hand resting on his chest, skin against skin, so he'll feel the solidness and warmth of her. That she's still here. ]

I can make no promises that I'll stay awake. What I can promise is that if I do sleep, when I wake up I'll love you all over again. There's no way I could do anything else.

[ Even if he moves on while she's sleeping, some part of her will always have that connection. ]

[ She stretches to slowly, sweetly kiss his mouth. ] Whatever happens, we'll handle it. We can handle anything. So don't mourn me just yet.

[Despite his larger-than-life, flamboyant nature, Rosenkrantz doesn’t handle despair well. That much is apparent judging from how devastated he looks. It’s hard for him to reconcile with something like this, especially when it seemed like everything was going fine. He really doesn’t know what to say to Saya but then again, he’s a man of action–not words. That’s why he chooses to forsake his words in favor of affectionately nuzzling her cheek. The last thing he wants is for her to feel guilty about this. It’s not as if Saya has control over her hibernation. If that was the case, they wouldn’t even be having this conversation. Even so, Rosen can’t help but feel a bit distraught.]

I hope so. [He whispers as he presses lips against hers for a sweet little kiss.] Even if you don’t, I will still love you.

So, I suppose we don’t have anything to worry about.

[Rosen lets out a faint chuckle as he wraps his arms around her. Right now, he doesn’t feel like talking too much. He just wants to hold her in his arms and comfort her. Saya is the only person in the world who matters to him, and he refuses to lose her. The two of them have a strong bond despite only just meeting a month or so ago. It’s a bond he cherishes since Saya seems to be one of the few people who actually understands him.]

We’ll find a way…I’m sure of it.

[ It's fair to be distraught. She would be if their situations were reversed. All Saya wants to do is make this better, but she can't. She can try, though it's not the same thing. A whisper and a prayer, that's all she has to offer. In the meantime, if her touch is what he needs, she'll give it freely. It's what she needs as well, conveniently enough. ]

[ Hearing that he won't give up on his feeling for her, though, that helps. It helps immensely. She curls forward until she fits easily and comfortably in his arms, her face against his neck. Just breathing, focusing, as if she can will herself to remember this moment. ]

We will. And in the meantime I'd like to spend as much time in your arms as I possibly can.

[Yes, he needs her touch, her warmth, and her love right now. Rosen wants to commit every last little detail about Saya to memory just in case he accidentally loses her for the next fifty or so years. He wants her touch to be the only thing he feels right now. If there's a chance she may never wake up again, then Rosen wants to spend as much time with Saya as possible.

He wants to hear her laugh, sing, and cry. Everything that makes her present and alive at this moment. He doesn't care if he comes off as a bit clingy, not while there's a chance he may never get this moment again.]

Of course. [He mumbles affectionately while gently stroking her back.] As if you need to even ask.

[Sorry, Saya but you're stuck with him for a few days, weeks even. He's bound to find every excuse in the book to visit her daily at this point. She'll have to suffer him and his bad cooking too. Kantera gave him a few ideas and he plans on experimenting in the kitchen.]

Until then, what do you like more? Cupcakes or pancakes? [A smile dances across his lips as he glances down at her.] I hear my little queen has a sweet tooth.

[He teases before leaning down to kiss her cheek.]

Edited 2023-04-25 20:17 (UTC)

[ "Clingy" means something very different to a Chiropteran Queen. She's used to those who love her loving only her, to the exclusion of all else should she wish it. And it's not that she wants that anymore, not truly, though her instincts certainly do. The only amount of clinginess that she'd find the slightest bit intrusive is if he got demanding with her, that wouldn't go over at all. ]

[ Her housemates might have other standards, however. She doesn't especially care. Rosen has a place if they start to show signs of the visits wearing on them. And besides, having her husband around is comfortable for her, but she tries to be respectful enough not to be too affectionate with others where he has to watch. ]

[ Saya laughs lightly at the question. ] I like whatever you care to make. But for the sake of making a choice, pancakes.

[ Her fingertips brush his face while he kisses her. Plainly delighted at the affection and that he's going to bake for her. ]

I have a fondness for sweets, yes. And spice, and a number of other things. Don't restrict yourself. [ Surely this won't backfire! (She'll love it regardless, it takes a lot for her not to find food delicious, and if it was literal garbage she'd still eat it and love it because Rosen made it for her.) ]

Pancakes it is!

[Rosen announces with a jovial chuckle while snuggling his face into her short locks. He'll shower her with as much affection and love as she wants. If she doesn't want it, he'll do something else. As much as he adores Saya, he still has his pride. Rosen is typically a loner. So, if she commands him to leave her be--he will. Until then, he's grateful for the chance to make some beautiful memories with her.]

Though, I want to make enough for your friends and husband to enjoy.

[That means he’s going to need a lot of eggs, tons of butter, milk, and patience. Rosen is severely lacking on the latter part but he’s going to do his best. Nevertheless, he thinks that would be the best way to enjoy the rest of their day together. They both need something to lift their spirits after that bombshell. The best way to not fret about sad news is to keep busy.]

Spice too? Well, that gives me the chance to test out this one spicy cheese ramen recipe I saw online…

[He probably could ask around about finding other recipes to try. Hijikata seems to know a bit about food, so many he’ll ask him. That is until he finds out about the man’s mayo obsession.]

[ Why would she command him to do a silly thing like that? Unless she's spending time with someone else, she can't imagine not wanting him around. ]

I'm sure that would make everyone very happy. [ Saya said, speaking entirely for herself and not accounting for Rosen not being good at this, necessarily. At least she'll clean the kitchen. ]

I'd love to try anything you make.

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welcome home

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