video; un: whiterose [forward dated to June 29th]

[finethanks]

[Eichi decides to make his first post in riverview a video message. He looks pale and a little nervous about something, but he speaks confidently. Some people might recognize him— his face has been appearing more and more in posters and advertisements in the city for performances.]

At first I thought I was hallucinating or something along those lines, because "magic" is something that doesn't exist in my universe except as science made to look like tricks. However... it seems I've gained some sort of ability.

It may be strange to ask, but has this happened to anyone else? I'm nothing like a "hero" out of a story book or anything like that, but I certainly healed a wound. [He glances down, flipping over his own arm and frowning in his focus.] Just now, I also cut the back of my arm to test it, since it was making me doubt myself, and I was able to heal that, as well.

[He's really not the type of person who should be harming himself in any way. But despite his paleness, he's conscious! Just... definitely exhausted in appearance.]

To be honest, I feel a little faint, now, but it may be due to my elevated heart rate after all of this. I'll look forward to any answers or advice I can receive.

Comments

[finethanks]

No. I wouldn't ask you to do something like that now. Our contract has ended, after all. You walked from that last stage a long time ago.

[He's just saying that casually, without realizing that it's pretty mean to bring this up.] I was thinking of how to clarify... What do you think of the group name "Higanbana?" I thought that Tsumugi, of all people, would be able to grasp my meaning.

[exfine]

[ THAT'S REALLY UNCALLED FOR BUT YOU KNOW WHAT. He got him there. So he'll try not to look too uncomfortable about that offhanded comment.

At the mention of the flower though, Tsumugi considerably brightens up. Flower language is his thing, after all! ]

Red spider lilies... the flowers of death. It's a bit dark for the both of us, but it could also mean rebirth -- it's perfect.

[ Didn't he say almost the same thing when they were naming the Oddballs... Anyway. ]

Would you mind if I make the outfits? I may not be on the same level as Shu-kun or even your tailor, but I'll do my best.

[finethanks]

I knew that I could count on you to recognize the meaning. Fufu, it's got beautiful imagery, doesn't it? And whether or not this is a one time thing or something you'd like to try again, I hope that "Higanbana" can be something for us to reflect on our past without dwelling on it. This is an entirely different step forward, isn't it?

[He finally raises his tea to his lips for a slow sip, letting that sink in as he considers the rest.] I'd love to see your work on the outfits. Rather than relying on designers, this is something that should have a personal touch. It wouldn't be the same any other way.

There is one more favor I'd like to ask before we work for our performance, however.

[exfine]

[ A nod. ] We did go through a lot of things together back then, and I'd like to put it all behind us with one last live. A closure, if you will. And this time, I'm not going to leave you behind on that stage again.

[ He really means that. Tsumugi can never forgive himself for letting Eichi figuratively bleed on the crowd after they had defeated the Oddballs, but at least he can finally redeem himself -- themselves -- with this, right? He's feeling really good about this.

He takes another sip of his tea, and his brows raise curiously at Eichi's other request. You mean there's more? ]

Of course. What is it?

[finethanks]

I was wondering if you'd like to go ice skating with me.

[He says it so suddenly, but with a warm smile that follows Tsumugi curiously.] I haven't been in Japan for over six months, but I have learned quite a lot since then. As friends, we should do something that has nothing to do with us as idols, right?

[exfine]

[ That... actually surprised Tsumugi as his eyes widened, a soft gasp escaping his lips. ]

Ice skating... What an odd request. I never knew you could skate, Eichi-kun.

[ The boy is full of surprises, as always. Eichi never ceases to amaze Tsumugi, even now. His smile is just as easygoing and kind as he thinks it over - no, he's already decided the moment Eichi asked him. ]

I'd love to. I don't know how to skate though, so I might just fall all over the ice until it cracks and swallows me up!

[ DON'T RUIN THIS ]

[finethanks]

A friend of mine who just disappeared from this place was an ice skater. His fiance, as well, once tried to teach me... but there were quite a few incidents that interrupted.

I'm certain that if we try together, it could be a fun experience. Let's keep one another from falling over, Tsumugi. ♪

[He thinks that genuinely sounds like a good time!! And now, he's going to drink his tea so Tsumugi can't look at his face too much.]

[exfine]

Ah, I won't let you fall over, Eichi-kun! Even if you have to use my body as a cushion, I don't mind.

[ don't make this worse, tsumugi

but he's still red in the face, as he raises his tea up to his mouth to keep himself from saying even worse things. he really is bad at this. ]

When do you want to go, then? After our performance?

[finethanks]

[Ah, he really wishes Tsumugi wouldn't say things like that, but he's not sure what he could say that would stop it. Pressing the issue just drags it out, doesn't it? So he ignores it, tracing his finger around the edge of his teacup, instead.]

I was going to see what you preferred. We could wait until after the performance, as something to look forward to, or we could ease our minds with something prior to it. I suppose it depends on what Tsumugi thinks is better, in this case. Since we are not "Fine," but "Higanbana," I'd like to hear your input, as well.

[exfine]

[ Right. Not Fine anymore, so it should be easy talking to Eichi about unit matters once more, no strings attached. So he relaxes. ]

Maybe we should have it after, as a reward. I really can't wait, and... I'm glad to be performing with you on the same stage again, Eichi-kun.

[ This time his smile is a lot more genuine as he extends his hand towards him. ]

Handshake~ ♪

[finethanks]

Handshake~ ♪

[Eichi takes his hand and shakes it happily himself, his own shoulders relaxing as well. This is something of a relief, even if he hadn't realized that it had been weighing down on himself as much as it had been. It's not that he regrets anything, necessarily, but he does know that it was all horrible.]

I'm looking forward to it as well, Tsumugi. Let's share what it means to be an "idol" in this place for all to see, peacefully. We can arrange to find an indoor rink to skate afterwards.

[exfine]

[ Peacefully, yes. No more bloodshed. ]

We're putting everything we've learned from Yumenosaki into this, right? Let's not let everyone down, even if they can't see us.

[ But maybe it's for the best that none of them can this collaboration. It will definitely spell trouble for everybody. ]

I'll look around as well! I'm sure there's one around here somewhere, and I hope that it's not too cold. I don't fare well in cold temperatures, you see.

[finethanks]

It is the summer time, so even if it is chillier inside, we can simply step outside to relieve ourselves. It will be a nice break from the harsher temperatures, in my case, even if I don't do well in cold myself.

[It's a balance, see? A balance. They do have to keep it really cold in this weather, though...]

[exfine]

Right. It's a date, then. ☆

[ ...Wait, is it? Crap, he's assuming things again, isn't he. Let him just drain his teacup to save face. ]

[finethanks]

[Eichi just chuckles at that, so it's a mystery as to what his feelings are on the words. He finishes his own tea, setting the cup down. He does seem a lot more relaxed, now, but his eyes look noticeably tired.]

I'm glad that we could sort this out. Now, could I see those hands of yours?

[exfine]

Hm? Sure.

[ He puts his teacup aside before giving both his hands to Eichi. They're soft enough, but the fingertips do have little pricks and scratches from all the needlework he has been doing, even before getting here.

He's bashful about this, of course. Letting Eichi look upon his ugly hands like this. ]

S-Sorry. They aren't as glamorous as yours, though.

[finethanks]

You always say that, but my hands are too pale and fragile, you know? Your hands are capable of work that mine aren't.

[He uses one of his hands to hold one of Tsumugi's, placing his other hand over the top of it. His hand feels cold as usual, but as he focuses, the cold increases into something very icy, and those little pricks and cuts begin to fade away. He does this one hand at a time.]

[exfine]

[ Tsumugi watches in awe as Eichi heals his hands with ice-cold magic that somehow feels warm to him. Actual magic that he's only seen from books and movies. It's real. It's real and Eichi has it and he's so happy that he's positively beaming. ]

Thank you! Eichi-kun, that was amazing! You... You really do have magic...

[ Tsumugi feels like a kid again and he's not gonna stop gushing over this, ahhh ]

[finethanks]

[This answers it for him. Even if these scratches are small, he can feel the slight drain of his energy. When he's this tired, even small amounts can get to him, so it's easy to recognize this sort of thing. Healing exhausts him? How ironic.]

So it seems. This isn't something that I can explain away with science or illusion. Just earlier, my friend's neck was sliced clear open, and I healed it without even a scar. Isn't that strange? I don't know how to take it.

[He glances down at his hands as he leans back on the couch, now that Tsumugi's hands are all healed up.]

[exfine]

[ At that, Tsumugi's face paled at how graphic Eichi said that. ]

Decapitation? Oh dear! They should've gone to the hospital!

[ Even though magic can pretty much do anything??? ]

But you seem to be a fast learner for someone who doesn't believe in it at first. I hope you'll get the hang of it in no time.

[ Because is it just him, or did Eichi look even deathly paler when he healed up his hands like that? They're not even grave wounds, so why... ]

[finethanks]

We were in the Abandoned City together, and he was shielding me from some debris when it happened. It would have been difficult for him to get to the hospital that's so far away in that condition. It was amazing enough that he found shelter for me in those few seconds.

[Yeah, just casually mention that he was out walking around in the place outside the walls where there can be monsters. His eyes are closed as he speaks, now, too tired for much else, and he's resting back against the couch. He may lean sideways a little into Tsumugi, if he lets him.]

I was able to heal him then out of shock, I think. So I wondered if I could do it by choice... But it seems that I can. I have no natural talent for anything else, but maybe this is something that comes naturally.