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[controllingluck]

[An automated sounding computer voice says:] This is the in box of Himawari Kunogi, Please leave a message!

[After a moment there is a new notice, this time the girl speaks in a cheerful voice]
Hello! This is Himawari. If you have a question about the city or wish to have some assistance looking up jobs or places for rent, please leave me a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

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[action]

[controllingluck.livejournal.com]

[she just gave a little nod to all that. A yes to a lot of it. She would call if she needed help, she would call if she didn't, really. It was nice to know she wasn't alone in the Port anymore.]

[Instead of saying anything at all to any of this though, she just stared off a bit at the coat, frowning.] It's more then likely my fault, the weaker luck you might have had lately. I've forgotten to take, um... it from you a few times I think. It's something I used to be good about but lately... I don't know.

[yeah, none of that was the clearest]

[action]

[soldierfirst]

[He'd take that nod, recognizing in it that it's all he's likely to get -- she was fiercely independent, and that's what he liked about her, after all.]

Oh? [He shifted a little to lean on a hip, folding his hands on the edge of the couch -- not touching her! -- and resting his chin atop them. He was contemplating both her and her words, turning the whole situation over in his head.] You've hinted before that you might be bad luck for me. Are you saying that you are more than superstition?

[action]

[controllingluck.livejournal.com]

[She had to be independent. It was something she had learned a year and a half ago when left alone in this place. She couldn't rely on Doumeki for everything so... she learned. Perhaps too well, but still...]

[She moved as well, settling into the couch a bit more, more to her side, and resting her head on her shoulder, watching him. She had already done him the damage today, or rather he had done it earlier. Still, she was just careful, in general.]

[It took her a moment to state it, the problem, but she tried to explain. Only a few people in port knew anyhow] More then superstition. I cause bad luck to others. Real, very bad, bad luck. Mostly through connections and interactions, though it seems that in this city it's through touch or thought. [as in she had some form of control now, but... but that was the power, not the curse. Her voice was soft but a little flat as she spoke.] It's hard to explain sometimes...

[action]

[soldierfirst]

[He didn't move as she shifted, save to let his eyes follow her face as she settled against her shoulder. He had a fleeting thought as well, pleased that she was comfortable with him so close. Considering his position and circumstances in Midgar, it was strangely different.]

Not as hard as you think. There is a type of Materia back home, that can increase the user's luck for a time. This sounds the opposite, though the mechanics differ. [He nodded thoughtfully, turning the implications over in his head. For every thought, for every single touch-- No, down that path lay ill thoughts, and he did not wish to bring her mood down more.] For what it may be worth, I am -- how to phrase it? -- reluctant to casual touch. Except in getting you up here, of course.

[And that day with the cherry blossoms...]

[action]

[controllingluck.livejournal.com]

[She trusted him enough not to be too worried. She was far too tired from all this to protest anything anymore either. He was close, but he was also safe, so it was okay.]

I think for me, back home, it was just a curse. Here I can do more with it. [He had no idea, on that. It could be really, very bad, when it came down to it. She hated it, so very much, but at least she could spare others... when she felt it] I'm still mad at you for that.

[she said it with a bit of a sullen tone, but it was clear she wasn't really mad anymore.] You could really have been hurt if I hadn't of taken that off you two. I told you not to. I could have made it on my own. [how many times had she said that today? How many times did she grump to them about this?]

[It was good though, that he was reluctant. She found herself often wanting to reach out and touch a strand of his hair, for one (it was so lovely) but even that she was reluctant to do. So really, that worked out for everyone, in the end. No one got hurt and there were no awkward moments.]

[action]

[soldierfirst]

It is an interesting sort of curse, if you don't mind my saying so. [Certainly it was unlike anything he had ever heard, but he was also not the type to go believing in curses and ghost stories and the like. Still, he would not dismiss it out of hand -- could not, with how serious she was. His tone held hints of apology and acceptance both.] You can be mad all you want; I am sorry for breaching your trust of me. I am just relieved to have gotten you up here, and to see you feeling better. You could have been hurt if we had left you there, or if someone had come upon you so weakened.

[Innumerable times; Sephiroth himself had stopped counting. He considered the point moot, because her well being came first, and getting her up to her apartment had been a part of that.] For what it's worth, my... enhancements mean I can heal in hours what takes days for you. Please, don't take too much from me, that it impedes your healing. I can manage the few days you need. [That he was not entirely comfortable with talking about himself in such a way was probably painfully clear to her, despite his efforts to keep it from his expression.]

[He would not stop her, if she chose to reach out. He viewed his earlier actions as having breached a barrier of her comfort -- and her necessity, perhaps, given her curse -- and would not make the first move in reestablishing it. That was for her to define, and he to follow.]

[action]

[controllingluck.livejournal.com]

I don't mind. It is interesting, I guess. [she frowned a bit, eyes half shut for a moment.] I had figured out how to live back home like this but here... things are different. I can't help but wonder if it would have been like this at home as well, after time, or if this is just harder.

[She blinked her eyes open again looking at him as he apologized though. Giving him a faint smile she nodded, just once] I just... didn't want to see you guys hurt. Thank you, though... for putting up with me. [Frowning again she peeked out at his face, eyeing his hand and the silver hair. She wasn't really staring at him but through him for a moment.]

I would rather take what is mine and spare you the pain in the first place though. [her eyes focused on his a moment after that, taking in his words and how they were said. Enhancements. Faster healing. She wasn't surprised, really. He had dealt with being sick rather fast as well.] It hurts more to know you might be suffering then it does to actually take it myself.

[action]

[soldierfirst]

You are interesting. [After all, his interest had been captured by Himawari, not 'Himawari's Curse'. His eyes stayed trained on her face, considering, while the fingers of one hand tapped lightly against the other -- merely a few sparse movements of the joints, and quickly stopped.] Things are indeed different here, for all of us. Dwelling on the "what ifs" of home may not do you well, at times.

"Putting up with" has nothing to do with it. We wanted to help; we chose to do so of our own free will. [He would be patient while she looked -- either at him or through him, wherever her gaze needed to be. Far be it from he to interrupt her healing, be it physical or otherwise.]

I understand. You are more generous than most would be. [He noted the moment her focus returned, as if she was descending from a brief daydream. It was probably a good thing she didn't ask too many details about that time of illness. His had been violent, thanks to the enhanced metabolism; while he had fought it off fast, the severity of its effects likely would have landed an unenhanced human in the hospital. As it was, he knew Genesis had been up for most of the night in vigil.] I do not wish for you to suffer either, you know.

[action]

[controllingluck.livejournal.com]

But I'll end up back home again. I'll end up like I was. Time stops, back there. This wont change it. I'll end up like I was and all I have right now are the 'what its' to consider. [She was one of the few who really didn't want to go back home, at least not so soon. This was cheating life, giving her one life to live, or in this case two lives... and then return to her old one later.]

[There was a small nod to the free will comment, still frowning over at him. She watched, just for a bit, eyes focused but sleepy. Mostly it was just emotional wear out more then anything.] I don't mind.

[Her hand rose absentmindedly from where she had it tucked into her chest, reaching out towards him. She stopped for a moment, almost to draw back, but then reached further to just barely touch a few strands of silvery hair, pushing them away from his face. It was as soft as it looked. Drawing back a bit again, curling her fingers in once more she frowned] Sorry. I... never said Thank you, did I?

[action]

[soldierfirst]

I did not mean to ignore it, or to dismiss it outright -- but instead not to dwell when so doing brings nothing but stress. [He shifted a little, shoulders rolling slightly before stilling back into his relaxed position against her couch. They surely painted quite the picture for an observer, but only the pets were there as witness.]

Generous. [He repeated the word with a hint of a smile -- not quite teasing, not quite not.] Are--

[He froze at the action, at her hesitance therein; he would almost liken it to a bird: unsure, and likely to fly with any slight movement. But as she moved again so did he, turning very slightly into her touch. It was a permission granted -- a penance perhaps, for what he had taken in touching her earlier. His eyes followed the progress of her hand back to herself, before flicking up to her own again.] You have said it in enough ways through your actions; I would not begrudge you a lack of vocalization.

[action]

[controllingluck.livejournal.com]

[To the first she only nodded. A simple small movement, though she clearly looked as if she was considering his words. Don't dwell. She supposed she could take those words of advice. The animals were scattered. The bird still snuggled down near the resting girl, the dog on the floor, appearing to be asleep but near. The cat was no where to be found, but watching. Clearly their girl was being taken care of, so there was no need to worry right now]

Still... [she drew her hand back into her chest, shifting on the couch so it was tucked in closer to her neck. She wasn't sure what compelled her to do so, but she had.] Actions or not, I'll properly thank you. Someone must have been here taking care of everyone while I was gone. And you came to get me when I came back. You must have already been at the apartments.

[action]

[soldierfirst]

[She hopefully would take his advice, at least for the night -- a good sleep would help her more than anything else, would allow her to recover some of her strength and to slip her masks and walls back into their proper places.]

Still, nothing. [He would not pursue the hand, despite the fleeting thought to do so, and to catch it: that was not his place in this, and curiosity could be sent back to the dark corner of his mind from whence it had come.] You are welcome. I hope you don't mind, but they seemed reluctant to let me leave, especially that first night I came here. I borrowed your couch to sleep. [His expression quirked into the briefest of smiles for a moment; yes, he had slept on the same couch on which she now reclined.]

[action]

[controllingluck.livejournal.com]

[that would be the first think that she would fix, all ofthe broken walls and doors, the shattered masks and things. It would make it easier to talk to people after this especially.]

[the briefest of smiles was given at that] I'm sure they were demanding to know where I was. [she turned to look as well as reach up to pet the little yellow bird softly] Especially my oldest friend here. He's protective. [she sighed again, looking back to the General as she continued to give Tanpopo attention] It's a good couch. I hauled it from storage to the first place I lived almost by myself. Getting it down to this place was much easier. [which is to say, no, she didn't mind]

[action]

[soldierfirst]

[Now that he was in, however, she might find it hard to push him back outside her walls. There was a strategy behind bringing down every wall, and even rebuilt, his eyes could find the cracks.]

He is both protective and insistent. I would not have thought my shoulder an ideal perch, but he made it so. [The other animals had seemed glad of his presence and attentions as well, but the bird had been his hear-constant companion in the time he was over.] It serves its purpose well, especially if it offers you comfort now. Do you need anything else? [She was wrapped in a blanket and his long coat, but he would grant a request for anything else to help her recovery.]

[action]

[controllingluck.livejournal.com]

[Oh, give her the right problem and she will build new walls if she has to. She's done it before. Right now she isn't able to complete walls very well.]

It's a good sign that he likes you, at least. If he hadn't... he might have tried to pull your hair or worse. [she gave the bird one last stroke of the head and a faint smile was given to the man. It wasn't often that people tried to wait on her anymore. Not since Watanuki was around, and even then that was... --she shook her head a bit] No. And you know you don't have to fuss. I should be safe here and I'm warm. [she peeked down at the coat though, smiling a very tiny smile] You'll be wanting this back soon though.

[action]

[soldierfirst]

[He knew her walls were down; there was no way to avoid the notice. But he wouldn't push her too hard. He would prefer to see her walls rebuilt, even if he remained outside some of them -- it would he a sign of her healing.]

He did, the first time I came over. I thought it was perhaps that I was not getting food fast enough. They were all hungry. [And he had taken care of them, just as he was doing with their owner now. Sephiroth did not consider himself to be the best caregiver, but both girl and animals were thus far responding to him, so he must be doing something right.] I know. You'll have to forgive me the protective streak, but I have little desire to quell it.

[He smiled, a small expression.] When I leave. Keep it until then.

[action]

[controllingluck.livejournal.com]

[She thinks he's doing something right, or she would have thought and pushed him away already, like she should have done with everyone.]

I'm sorry... [She said this to the bird, rubbing his little feathery head again, pouting at him.] I will be more careful, so I don't leave you guys alone again. [but to the man again she nodded once, a very small move] I suppose I can forgive that. It's very noble.

[she nudged down into the coat a bit more after that comment, and nodded again, not saying anything. She liked the coat. It gave her thoughts of worlds far from here... she wasn't sure why her mind wandered like that from time to time. She was just glad she had a mind to wander still]

[action]

[soldierfirst]

[She could try to do so now, perhaps, but she might find it harder than she anticipated.]

I believe they are just glad that you are returned. I share their sentiments. [He returned the nod, attention caught between girl and bird. It was a welcome distraction.] Thank you.

[Sephiroth would have tucked it around her better, but he didn't want to risk upsetting her with more touch, not when she was clearly still so tired. He'd tempted her fate enough for the night; his goal was to keep her calm, not agitated.] You look good in it, at least. Comfortable.

[action]

[controllingluck.livejournal.com]

[Someday, when she realizes how much trouble she will be for him, she might try pushing him away... or just running away, like she always managed to do. For now she was alright with it.]

I'm... glad to be back as well. It's an experience I don't think I will forget for some time either. [and something she can tell others as well. A better greeter in that fact.]

[her smile was a bit bashful for a moment, but a weak chuckle followed that comment] It's a bit big on me... but very warm.

[action]

[soldierfirst]

[She could try, of course -- though she might find it harder than she anticipated.]

That both comforts and saddens me. I believe there is something to be learned from every experience, but I do not wish this sort of pain on you. [It was Sephiroth's turn to be daring, reaching out to twist one of her curls around his fingertips before brushing it back into place.]

Are you chilled? [A moment of worry followed her statement; Sephiroth did not think the air particularly cool, but he also knew that his body had a higher resistance to the effects of temperature extremes than most.]

[action]

[controllingluck.livejournal.com]

[She would always try, at some point or another. It didn't mean it would work, but she was bound to try]

I can handle a little pain once in a while. [Though that? That had been more then a little, clearly. She would experiences fun headaches for a while as well, though she didn't know that. Rubbing at her forehead a bit uneasily, she frowned.] Though that was a bit extensive, it could have been worse.

[at his comment about the chill, she blinked, then shook her head a bit, very sleepy looking. Tanpopo nestled down into a fold of the coat near by and she drew her hand back into her own nest of coat and blanket and couch.] Not really. Feeling a little better about it at least.

[action]

[soldierfirst]

[He could -- and would -- respect that effort.]

I have no doubt that you can. It still does not mean that you should, if it's avoidable. [Not that this pain was avoidable. He more meant that if there was anything he could do for her in the moment, he would. She'd had quite an ordeal, after all.]

If you wish to rest, I can stay a while and guard your sleep. [He tucked the coat a little bit closer around her, a small indulgence as she settled into the couch with her little feathery protector.]