teahoused | general texting meme

Ah-ah.

[His hands fell away, but hers remained. She used them to gently guide his gaze back to hers. Her voice turned chiding, as if he were a child who had said something he knew was wrong.]

What was it you said not so long ago? "I don't wish for you to think you have to hide from me"? You gave your name to me. Your power. In return for accepting, you swore I would be allow to see to your safety and comfort, if you care to recall. You... have become my most precious treasure, Lord—Sukuna. If I ever stop being concerned for you, it shall be when I am dead and gone.

Oka-chan, it's cheating to use my own words against me you know!

[Sukuna tried to puff out his cheeks and pout, but despite himself, he couldn't help but smile. He wasn't sure what he had done to attain Oka-chan's continued good will, especially since all he seemed to do was clumsily trample all over it, but he was grateful for it nonetheless. A small portion of him had been a bit afraid that when he had given up his position that Oka-chan would change into one of the shrewd and heartless creatures of the court, detached from their followers and anything but their own desires.

But she was still as warm and giving as she had been when Sukuna first met her, and it soothed him far better than the tea.]

But you worry too much! Between you, Muchi, and Setsura, I'm well protected and spoiled. I've even had you running out in the middle of the night just to see me.

[He paused, gently going to remove her hands from his face, giving them an affectionate squeeze as he did so.]

You should choose better possessions. No wonder some people might interpret that incorrectly. And ah- Don't talk so flippantly about being dead!

It's never any trouble, I assure you.

[Says Sukunabikona, seated before him in the nightclothes she rushed over in.

She smiled back, best she could manage, and let her hands go lax in his grip.]

You don't have to own something to treasure it, you know. Otherwise, there wouldn't be unfounded rumors or your... not-fiancées to deal with, would there?

You're too good to me, Oka-chan.

[That at least was said with 100% conviction and affection, Sukuna's expression softening until she brought up the 'not-fiances'. Immediately his nose scrunched up, and huffily, he poured them both more tea.]

When you put it that way, you're right but it feels like there should be different levels or categories for how you treasure something or someone. The existing definitions feel too narrow, don't you think?

I... suppose there are? Or maybe just...

[She struggled with shaping her thoughts into words, her hands in front of her and making vague, slightly helpless gestures.]

Maybe something like... layers? Or perhaps tree rings. It's not like some... some sort of rigid hierarchy in my opinion. Some people are just... wrapped in more layers. More and more the longer you know them.

[As Okakou found her footing with her wording, Sukuna couldn't help but nod along slightly, curious to see where she was going with this.]

Ah, like Eri-chan and her scarves?

[It was always easy to tell who Eri-chan's favorites were, as they had rooms full of scarves, all different colors and fabrics and lengths. Sukuna was lucky enough to have a few of them from her as well, and if he wore all of them at once, it'd be readily apparent how much affection she showed him.

He grinned, taking a sip from his tea cup.]

The opposite can happen too, the longer you know someone. Layers can peel away or maybe you meet someone new you like more than people you've known for a long time. Or you're compatible one way but not another.

I wouldn't know much about Her Highness's more intimate feelings.

[Or so she believes.]

...I... suppose so.

[She glanced up, the ghost of a smile on her lips.]

Are you saying I should find somebody I like more than you, Lord Predecessor?

Edited 2019-08-28 04:27 (UTC)

[Maybe it was just wishful thinking on his part, along the lines of wanting to spare Okakou having to deal with all the gossip and rumors, but he had hoped her and Eri-chan would have become fat friends. He set his teacup down to start nibbling on one of the snack crackers that had been brought, more downturned slightly.]

Eh? I would have thought the two of you would have gotten doing great.

[He pouted at her tease, putting a hand over his head as if to check for an arrow or a katana having been run through him.]

Is it possible to like anyone more than me? I thought I was your favorite for life!

[Still though, he couldn't be too selfish...]

But if you do find someone, I want to meet them right away! I want to make sure they'll take good care of you.

She has always been exceptionally kind and gracious to me, to be sure. I am simply loathe to presume too much.

[At his dramatics, she actually laughed; little more than a soft huff of amusement, perhaps, but laughter all the same.]

I cannot conceive of such a person myself, save perhaps if I do someday actually... conceive. But regardless, you have my word. If you are ever usurped, you shall be the first to know.

Eri-chan is very honest with her feelings, so if she is kind and gracious to you, you're not presuming too much.

[It was one of her best traits, really. Sukuna beamed happily at making Okakou laugh, even if it was just a little. The sound was like being bathed in warm sunshine. The thought of his apprentice as a mother made him gasp out loud, eyes widening with happiness.]

Oka-chan you would make a great mom! And if there were little Oka-chans running around... Ah... I'd have to spoil all of them.

[It was definitely a pure and cute image, and he was sure Oka-chan's children would be more adorable and far better behaved than most of Muchi's brood.]

W-Well, they would hardly just be miniature versions of myself. It usually takes two people.

[She couldn't imagine a... conception-partner, off the top of her head, but given just how up in arms and over-protective this little episode got him, she didn't think he would like her hypothetical other half nearly as much as he did Okakou herself.]

Eh, are you sure?

[Sukuna's eyes widened with mock surprise, his head canned to the side as if he didn't believe it exactly. Even after Okakou had just gotten done explaining her various former duties before she had taken up the Sukunabikona mantle.]

Well if they're even half as cute as you that's grounds for them to be spoiled.

You're too much.

[Her voice was soft, and exasperated.

It was also helplessly, hopelessly fond.]

I don't know if I have enough time to fairly spare any hypothetical children right now.

I like to think I'm the right amount.

[Sukuna beamed at her, shameless, before nodding slightly at her next statement.]

If you'd like, I can always bring along some of Muchi's or some of the kids who work here along to visit so you can still have all of the upsides and none of the down.

[Is that really the issue here...]

That's... not what I meant, but thank you.

[She rubbed at her cheek, a bit abashed.]

The issue is time, not convenience.

If it's something that's really important to you, you'll always make time for it. Like how you always make time to visit, Oka-chan.

[Still, he understood the duties of a god well enough. While it was a bit disappointing there wouldn't be any tiny Oka-chans to dote on, he wasn't going to be one of those predecessors who always asked when he was going to see successor grandchildren. Godchildren? Whatever.

More importantly, it worried him that Oka-chan was already so burdened by such things, and he finished off his snack, thoughtful, before brightening.]

But that reminds me! I want to take some time off to go to the hot springs around culture day. Would you be able to slip away?

I... suppose you're right. And whatever match I make to have those children will likely help me balance my time as well.

[To say nothing of Donar or Akemi or Sukuna or Setsuna and the rest.]

The thought of a stay-at-home husband is surprisingly appealing.

[She pulls out her phone, drags up her calendar, and then taps away at it for several moments.]

Yes, I should be able to manage it. ...Lord Muchi mentioned wanting to take us to the sea sometime, as well. I hadn't realized such trips were common.

[Also a house husband... Sukuna hadn't thought of it, but it did seem like it was becoming more and more common among mortals. He hummed thoughtfully as he picked his tea cup back up.]

Yeah! We'll have to make sure that he pulls his weight. It might be difficult to find a god willing to do so, but if you're serious, Eri-chan might be the best person to ask.

[Mostly because Sukuna trusted her judgment and she'd know more about what a young goddess might be interested in than someone like him.

But the topic was quickly dropped in favor of talking about trips, Sukuna brightening back up.]

Oho, are you getting along that well that he's going to take you on a trip?

[He was glad they were getting along, if a bit apprehensive. But if the 'us' included more of them, he might be able to breathe easier. Possibly.]

Personally I took quite a few! It helps to re-energize you, I think.

[He canted his head to the side, his expression becoming more serious, his voice quieter.]

Have you thought about visiting your home?

It's not high on my list of priorities. But I'll keep that in mind.

[Okakou didn't even know what a young goddess might be interested in, these days.]

Well, I found out today that apparently he doesn't actually hate me. So I suppose so.

[...ah, she... probably shouldn't have said that.

She fiddled with her teacup, looking down.]

Is that... am I allowed to still call it that? Even now?

[Since it wasn't a priority, Sukuna wasn't going to press it, but in light of all the rumors and the harsh welcome that Oka-chan had been enduring, his expression was less than charitable at the mention of his best friend.]

Why did you think he hated you?

[He had thought of all people he could entrust Oka-chan's smooth transition to, it would be Muchi, but if that wasn't the case they were going to have to have a talk. At least Muchi he could confront face to face without there being ramifications.

His sternness evaporated at Oka-chan's hesitance, softening.]

Of course! Your home can be wherever you're happiest. It's still a place where I find great peace. Is it not the same for you?

I am an ever-present reminder of what you chose to do. What you turned your back upon, if one put it uncharitably. Certainly, you only had kind intentions and your own happiness in mind, but... well, intent and pain don't ever equal out fairly, do they?

[Her gaze did not move upwards.]

I don't know about 'happiest.' I do not blame them, any of them, but it is... I don't think it's ever easy, being abandoned by those you love. Or... forgotten. But... I remember. I shall always, always remember, and... and I'll cherish the memories that slowly grew with me. I... always enjoy our trips there.

[While that explanation certainly made sense, it wasn't fitting with Muchi's personality at all. Sukuna waved a hand as if to shoo those words and the very sentiment from between them, pulling a face.]

Ah, you don't have to worry about that Oka-chan. Muchi may not look like it, but he's very apt at knowing who to blame and he's not shy about being angry with me.

[So she shouldn't even factor in to that at all.

He frowned slightly at her words, leaning with his elbows on the table. Perhaps 'happiest' wasn't the best word to have used. Considering the state of her shrine and its current location, she'd have complicated feelings at best.]

Humans are short lived and fickle, but every once in a while you meet a few that make it worth protecting the rest of them.

[He wished there was a way to soothe the ache of it, to instantly replace those bittersweet memories with just a sweetness like stirring honey into tea, but good or bad, those experiences had made Okakou who she was today.]

And as long as you enjoy going back, we'll still go! I think you've had more than your fill of sadness Oka-chan, so we should strive to make more good memories for you.

He set the record straight himself. I...

[She hesitated visibly, eyes flickering up to his. There was something... apologetic, almost, in her gaze.]

I trust you implicitly in objective matters and experiences, but I must admit that I never take much stock in your assumptions that I will be universally liked or welcome. To me, it always seemed that relying too . heavily on the ties you founded would be... a burden. Insulting, even, because friendship is not something meant to be inherited.

[She dropped her gaze down again.]

They were always worth protecting. That was the hardest part of it, perhaps; they all loved me, certainly, and they lingered generation after generation until it was no longer feasible to stay, but... they still left. They loved me, but they needed more from life and the cities and the world. It wasn't enough.

[She wasn't enough, lingers unsaid but very much believed.]

I'd like that. Thank you.

[If she was worried Sukuna would take offense to that sort of sentiment, she didn't need to worry. It was difficult to say if he had always adored her as much as he did now, or if her accepting his old position had only worsened his affection for her. It had been a tragedy, to see her as her shrine slowly faded from human memory. How could anyone knowing where she had come from and how she had worked so tirelessly to complete all her duties not like her?

Frowning slightly, Sukuna leaned back from the table.]

So it's fine to assume the ill will I've amassed, but not the good will? It's not a burden or an obligation to be friends with a friend of someone you already cared for.

[The rest of it, however, he didn't have as good an argument against. Instead he nudged their knees together in commiseration, quiet for a moment as if to pay respect to the humans who had loved and tried to stay with Okakou.]

Very few things can last forever without changing. You can't take it as a failing anymore than the shore can be blamed for eroding into the ocean.

[Okakou has spent so much of her life loving fleeting creatures like humans . and travelers passing through that something in her connected to consciously recognizing when she is loved back, continually, has rusted over from disuse.]

Dislike isn't something necessarily earned.

[She nudged his knee back, smiling faintly.]

Thank you. That's sweet of you to say.

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