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the arms of the ocean are carrying me
the arms of the ocean delivered me
[ text | voice | omen | action ]
the arms of the ocean are carrying me
the arms of the ocean delivered me
[ text | voice | omen | action ]
You have been invited for Ruby Rose's birthday party!
The party will be held at the house Ruby lives in over in the Gaze district. [ There's an address included, or just general directions, along with the time the party starts. ] Feel free to dress up or not - you know Ruby won't mind either way. You're also free to bring a present if you want to. If you want to bring one, but you're having trouble thinking of what to get her, you can ask me, I guess.
.. Or Oscar. Actually, ask Oscar.
[ Please don't make her talk to people. ]
Let's do our best to make it fun for Ruby. She's had a really crappy time around this time last year, and I know she would love to be surrounded by her friends.
( ooc: the log for the party can be found over here! )
The party will be held at the house Ruby lives in over in the Gaze district. [ There's an address included, or just general directions, along with the time the party starts. ] Feel free to dress up or not - you know Ruby won't mind either way. You're also free to bring a present if you want to. If you want to bring one, but you're having trouble thinking of what to get her, you can ask me, I guess.
.. Or Oscar. Actually, ask Oscar.
[ Please don't make her talk to people. ]
Let's do our best to make it fun for Ruby. She's had a really crappy time around this time last year, and I know she would love to be surrounded by her friends.
( ooc: the log for the party can be found over here! )
[Wrapped up in a bright red and white box is a plate of bought snowflake cookies and a moon barrette.
Attached is a note with a little rabbit doodle:]
Happy Holidays!
Love,
Usagi
Attached is a note with a little rabbit doodle:]
Happy Holidays!
Love,
Usagi
Edited 2021-12-26 01:23 (UTC)
[ Oh, Usagi. This is so very kind of you. Cookies are always very much welcomed in this house, and her little moon barrette is perfect! Luna's a little late in doing gifts this year, considering everything that's going on right now with her (and Peter, too). But at some point later in the month — there will be a black hare arriving at Usagi's home with a gift in return. It's Luna's Omen, Inlé, and she carries a little present wrapped in brown paper and silvery ribbon. The wrapping is a little sloppy and the bow's squint, but she's tried.
Inside are a pair of hand-knitted yellow and black wrist-warmers. Yes, she thinks Usagi is a Hufflepuff. When worn, they'll emit a low-level warming charm. There's a little note that reads: Merry Christmas, Usagi. From Luna. ]
Inside are a pair of hand-knitted yellow and black wrist-warmers. Yes, she thinks Usagi is a Hufflepuff. When worn, they'll emit a low-level warming charm. There's a little note that reads: Merry Christmas, Usagi. From Luna. ]
[She is ABSOLUTELY a Hufflepuff, Luna, you are 100000% correct.]
( Readjusting after December is a strange process in its ways, but for Peter, it's actually... relatively easy in comparison to some of the other things he's had to readjust to. He doesn't remember much about what happened before, the majority of the month missing in his memory altogether: certainly the last couple of weeks of it are gone entirely. And while it isn't a comfortable thing to be aware of — the fact so much of his memory is missing — and his mind still has some difficulty some days with sorting itself out, for the most part he's... doing all right.
Some of it is probably the effects trickling in from this place, the particular way it's starting to affect the Darkblood within him, relaxing certain nervous edges. But most of it is what Luna had done — how she'd cleared the poison of Corruption from him entirely, leaving him... doing pretty damn well, now. What she'd done was everything, for Peter. Like once a couple of years ago, and perhaps on a grander scale now: she'd done what it took to keep him Peter when there was a dire threat of him losing himself entirely.
The threat isn't completely vanquished: now Peter knows what could potentially happen to him in this place. And next time, it could be worse. ....But unlike how he'd be usually, he isn't thinking about that so much, isn't dwelling and worrying about it. Not right now. In fact, it could be said that he's enjoying the recovery time from December, that he's actually been letting himself enjoy it. (This... is probably also because of the effects on his blood.) And of course he isn't the only one recovering; there's Luna too, having faced her own Corruption state and all the exhaustion and the strange new things going on with her blood.
But he's been trying to enjoy that recovering time with her. Peter hasn't left the house, and he's been following Luna around a lot, sticking close with her. There's a need to do that, to be close, and he's been letting himself indulge in all the comfortable hours spent curled up together in bed or on the sofa again. It's where they are now, on the sofa near the fireplace, warm and cosy and heavy-lidded. Peter hums against Luna's mouth, a lazy smile curved across his own, and seeks one final kiss — there've been so many — before gently resting his head against the sofa, watching her as he sleepily toys with her hair for a few moments. Fingers wind around a loose curl over and over, and he's so relaxed he feels like he's melting.
It doesn't take long before his eyes are closing. It's a peaceful sleep that Peter slips into, head going limp against the sofa, gently tangled up with Luna, kept lovingly close to her. Sleep snuggles are some of the best, after all.
It's about ten seconds after Peter seems to be asleep that his head abruptly lifts again, and his eyes are wide as saucers, staring straight at Luna with the intensity of a thousand suns. ....He's very close to her face, practically nose to nose. )
Witch.
Some of it is probably the effects trickling in from this place, the particular way it's starting to affect the Darkblood within him, relaxing certain nervous edges. But most of it is what Luna had done — how she'd cleared the poison of Corruption from him entirely, leaving him... doing pretty damn well, now. What she'd done was everything, for Peter. Like once a couple of years ago, and perhaps on a grander scale now: she'd done what it took to keep him Peter when there was a dire threat of him losing himself entirely.
The threat isn't completely vanquished: now Peter knows what could potentially happen to him in this place. And next time, it could be worse. ....But unlike how he'd be usually, he isn't thinking about that so much, isn't dwelling and worrying about it. Not right now. In fact, it could be said that he's enjoying the recovery time from December, that he's actually been letting himself enjoy it. (This... is probably also because of the effects on his blood.) And of course he isn't the only one recovering; there's Luna too, having faced her own Corruption state and all the exhaustion and the strange new things going on with her blood.
But he's been trying to enjoy that recovering time with her. Peter hasn't left the house, and he's been following Luna around a lot, sticking close with her. There's a need to do that, to be close, and he's been letting himself indulge in all the comfortable hours spent curled up together in bed or on the sofa again. It's where they are now, on the sofa near the fireplace, warm and cosy and heavy-lidded. Peter hums against Luna's mouth, a lazy smile curved across his own, and seeks one final kiss — there've been so many — before gently resting his head against the sofa, watching her as he sleepily toys with her hair for a few moments. Fingers wind around a loose curl over and over, and he's so relaxed he feels like he's melting.
It doesn't take long before his eyes are closing. It's a peaceful sleep that Peter slips into, head going limp against the sofa, gently tangled up with Luna, kept lovingly close to her. Sleep snuggles are some of the best, after all.
It's about ten seconds after Peter seems to be asleep that his head abruptly lifts again, and his eyes are wide as saucers, staring straight at Luna with the intensity of a thousand suns. ....He's very close to her face, practically nose to nose. )
Witch.
Edited 2022-01-02 06:46 (UTC)
[ It's certainly been a nice change from how things have been, one Luna has welcomed warmly. There's still parts of her a little shaken from how bad things had gotten, but there's an overwhelming feeling of relief that seems to be the main focus of her thoughts as the New Year comes and passes. She's looked better than she has in weeks, her own Corruption symptoms finally easing with that relief. Not only that, but now she finally has a moment or two where she feels less worried or anxious about Peter to focus on her own tactics of dealing with those symptoms. She has time to breathe, it doesn't feel like everything's pressing down on her.
Her blood sacrifice to Moon Presence had worked, and while Peter's required time in order to recover from it, things seem to be going well. Of course she's been worried this will happen again, but things are safe for now. She feels confident. And she's missed him. Perhaps more than she can put into words. Missed the simple thing of existing around him, occupy the same close space as him. The kisses and time spent curled up together certainly feel like a bonus. And Luna tries to do nothing but enjoy that time — feels a great deal less lonely with it.
She never sleeps before he does, though. Even in those times curled up when sleep feels so close and there's a weariness deep in her bones from the sleepless nights last month. She fights it, tries to stay awake until Peter drifts off. She doesn't want to stop looking at him, and maybe it's the worry keeping her awake, but maybe it's the love for him too. Not wanting to lose a moment of him being here around her when they're both awake.
Much like tonight, with Peter edging closer towards sleep; just one more kiss, and she murmurs softly to him to sleep, her fingers ghosting along the edge of his jaw, coaxing him. Watches him with that very relief she feels, some quiet awe he's back to her once more and the gentle warmth and affection she often looks at him with — until he slowly slips from waking. She lets out a quiet breath then, her own eyes heavy and fluttering closed; now she can sleep.
Only Peter shifts suddenly, and she wonders maybe something's startled him; the little jerk that comes within the early moments of rest. Her eyes open immediately to find a too-dark pair staring back at her, too-wide, too-intense. Not Peter.
Luna startles, lets out a soft sound of surprise. She jerks backwards, but finds herself with nowhere to go and... unceremoniously rolls off the sofa with another little cry, this one louder than the first — before landing on the floor with a soft thud. Well, half on the floor, mostly upside down — her legs still half-tangled with Peter's for a moment until she manages to remove herself and then just... flops uselessly.
The epitome of grace.
She quickly tries to pull herself upright, pushing herself up onto her forearms. Her hands ache a little from the fall, from trying to catch herself — still tender and only half-healed. She stares back at him, her brow pinching in uncertainty — a worried little pang in her chest: who is this, now—? ]
... Paimon—?
[ Merlin, please let it be her demon and not who she dealt with last month. ]
Her blood sacrifice to Moon Presence had worked, and while Peter's required time in order to recover from it, things seem to be going well. Of course she's been worried this will happen again, but things are safe for now. She feels confident. And she's missed him. Perhaps more than she can put into words. Missed the simple thing of existing around him, occupy the same close space as him. The kisses and time spent curled up together certainly feel like a bonus. And Luna tries to do nothing but enjoy that time — feels a great deal less lonely with it.
She never sleeps before he does, though. Even in those times curled up when sleep feels so close and there's a weariness deep in her bones from the sleepless nights last month. She fights it, tries to stay awake until Peter drifts off. She doesn't want to stop looking at him, and maybe it's the worry keeping her awake, but maybe it's the love for him too. Not wanting to lose a moment of him being here around her when they're both awake.
Much like tonight, with Peter edging closer towards sleep; just one more kiss, and she murmurs softly to him to sleep, her fingers ghosting along the edge of his jaw, coaxing him. Watches him with that very relief she feels, some quiet awe he's back to her once more and the gentle warmth and affection she often looks at him with — until he slowly slips from waking. She lets out a quiet breath then, her own eyes heavy and fluttering closed; now she can sleep.
Only Peter shifts suddenly, and she wonders maybe something's startled him; the little jerk that comes within the early moments of rest. Her eyes open immediately to find a too-dark pair staring back at her, too-wide, too-intense. Not Peter.
Luna startles, lets out a soft sound of surprise. She jerks backwards, but finds herself with nowhere to go and... unceremoniously rolls off the sofa with another little cry, this one louder than the first — before landing on the floor with a soft thud. Well, half on the floor, mostly upside down — her legs still half-tangled with Peter's for a moment until she manages to remove herself and then just... flops uselessly.
The epitome of grace.
She quickly tries to pull herself upright, pushing herself up onto her forearms. Her hands ache a little from the fall, from trying to catch herself — still tender and only half-healed. She stares back at him, her brow pinching in uncertainty — a worried little pang in her chest: who is this, now—? ]
... Paimon—?
[ Merlin, please let it be her demon and not who she dealt with last month. ]
( Normally he (probably) wouldn't do this — pop out at His Witch so suddenly after she and His Vessel had Alone Time. But he's been waiting, and almost as soon as Peter's sleeping, Paimon springs.
And clearly catches her off-guard: there Luna goes down to the floor in a tangled mix, and he's just as startled. Eyes widening further as she manages to extract her legs from where they were somewhat curled against Peter's, the demon quickly gets up into a crouch on the sofa and leans forwards, peering down at her. With Paimon, reading any sort of emotion or emotion-adjacent is often.... difficult, but there's a clear worry in the way he's staring down at her now.
'Paimon—?'
The sound of his name is a familiar fluttering, a buzz in his spirit, and his eyes brighten up from it; he reaches down for her, hands extended as though to help her up. All the while crouched on the sofa with a perfect balance that isn't Very Peter — isn't Very Human at all. )
I am here, my witch. ( He confirms for her. ) Are you all right? I did not mean to startle you.
( It certainly sounds like him, but..... there's something different, too. His voice is the same, but the words come so much easier: not slowed and methodically chosen like usual, but almost easy, conversational. )
And clearly catches her off-guard: there Luna goes down to the floor in a tangled mix, and he's just as startled. Eyes widening further as she manages to extract her legs from where they were somewhat curled against Peter's, the demon quickly gets up into a crouch on the sofa and leans forwards, peering down at her. With Paimon, reading any sort of emotion or emotion-adjacent is often.... difficult, but there's a clear worry in the way he's staring down at her now.
'Paimon—?'
The sound of his name is a familiar fluttering, a buzz in his spirit, and his eyes brighten up from it; he reaches down for her, hands extended as though to help her up. All the while crouched on the sofa with a perfect balance that isn't Very Peter — isn't Very Human at all. )
I am here, my witch. ( He confirms for her. ) Are you all right? I did not mean to startle you.
( It certainly sounds like him, but..... there's something different, too. His voice is the same, but the words come so much easier: not slowed and methodically chosen like usual, but almost easy, conversational. )
[ Luna blinks when he speaks, how easily the words come. It's certainly still something that seems very much like Paimon, the Paimon she knows — but this is... very different. He's been more... eloquent before, last year. At the Anniversary Ball. But there's not some outside presence influencing him here. The only thing that comes to mind is... well, the blood ritual.
... Did she do this? Is this her doing? She's noticed Peter's been less anxious in his recovery, there's something different about him. But was there something else in removing the Corruption from him that's helped Paimon too? Maybe this is her doing. As if maybe she's settled to two of them. ]
... It is you. [ Gingerly, she reaches for his offered hands and pulls herself back onto her feet, careful not to put too much strain on her bandaged hands. It is Paimon. There's concern there for her, the kind of care whoever he had become last month didn't have. There's a sudden wash of a new wave of relief. Relieved that it's him; she finds herself very glad that she has him back too.
There's a little huff of breath, a soft sound exhaled with it and she smiles tearfully with that comforting knowledge. She missed Peter, but she's... actually missed having Paimon around as well. This is the demon she knows, the one who knows her — the one who's been through so much with her. And with that, she leans forward to reach for him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders to pull him into a hug. She's quite for a little while, just gently holding onto him. She's missed him. ]
I'm very glad to see you again. I thought I lost you, too.
... Did she do this? Is this her doing? She's noticed Peter's been less anxious in his recovery, there's something different about him. But was there something else in removing the Corruption from him that's helped Paimon too? Maybe this is her doing. As if maybe she's settled to two of them. ]
... It is you. [ Gingerly, she reaches for his offered hands and pulls herself back onto her feet, careful not to put too much strain on her bandaged hands. It is Paimon. There's concern there for her, the kind of care whoever he had become last month didn't have. There's a sudden wash of a new wave of relief. Relieved that it's him; she finds herself very glad that she has him back too.
There's a little huff of breath, a soft sound exhaled with it and she smiles tearfully with that comforting knowledge. She missed Peter, but she's... actually missed having Paimon around as well. This is the demon she knows, the one who knows her — the one who's been through so much with her. And with that, she leans forward to reach for him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders to pull him into a hug. She's quite for a little while, just gently holding onto him. She's missed him. ]
I'm very glad to see you again. I thought I lost you, too.
Edited 2022-01-07 17:07 (UTC)
( It's as he's helping her up that he realises the bandages — looking down to her hands, the careful, tender grip she has on his own. He's been very aware of the injuries, but this is the first time since last month that he's in full control of Peter's body around her, and so really... feeling things himself. The feel of her bandages, the awareness of the healing flesh beneath.
His own grasp softens as he helps her up, taking Luna in with a fresh wave of concern. Paimon's own memories are... strange. So much has happened, and it's a convoluted blend of time and events in him. The only solid memory he really has from December is the prophecy she'd given at the start of the month, that display of some new power within her. That memory was so intense, so important and strong, that it's stuck within the demon. But it wasn't long after that.... Corruption was starting to really take hold in Peter, and though it was a progression that grew worse over time, Paimon was already being affected from the beginning.
By now, he can understand Luna's energy in deeper ways: that what's coming from her is "positive" at its most simple form, and "relief" at its more complex one. He can feel this, and maybe even see some of it in her face, able to better understand the nuances to emotional responses now. The demon's quietly stunned for a moment, just staring at her until she's leaning forward to wrap her arms around him.
It isn't the first time the witch has embraced him, but it's been quite some time since then. He hasn't ever forgotten: it was a gratitude that led to the embrace back then, an expression of thanks to him for vowing to protect Peter. Something a little trembling, a little wary; she'd been nervous of him after what he'd done.
This is... different. She's glad to see him — she says it directly — and Paimon's eyes widen even further as he understands the gesture is outright affection. And where last time he had only stood there, an unmoving body for her to hold onto for however long she liked, this time.... he slowly moves his arms to embrace her in return.
It's a little awkward — an alien thing imitating the gesture of affection he's felt through Peter but never expressed himself, perhaps not even in any of his pasts; such gestures simply aren't meant for his kind. He's confused on how tightly he should hold onto her, but then settles for something very soft, careful with her. )
I am very glad to see you, also. I do not remember much before, but.... I know that you healed us.
( Things he's learned through Peter being informed of them afterwards. She'd done it, sacrificed of her own blood. There was a poison deep in Peter, but it's gone now. It's the demon's turn to feel a swell of gratitude for Luna, one that makes his voice sound a little more emotional than it usually could, warmed. )
Thank you. It is because of your efforts that we are not lost. ....Because of you.
His own grasp softens as he helps her up, taking Luna in with a fresh wave of concern. Paimon's own memories are... strange. So much has happened, and it's a convoluted blend of time and events in him. The only solid memory he really has from December is the prophecy she'd given at the start of the month, that display of some new power within her. That memory was so intense, so important and strong, that it's stuck within the demon. But it wasn't long after that.... Corruption was starting to really take hold in Peter, and though it was a progression that grew worse over time, Paimon was already being affected from the beginning.
By now, he can understand Luna's energy in deeper ways: that what's coming from her is "positive" at its most simple form, and "relief" at its more complex one. He can feel this, and maybe even see some of it in her face, able to better understand the nuances to emotional responses now. The demon's quietly stunned for a moment, just staring at her until she's leaning forward to wrap her arms around him.
It isn't the first time the witch has embraced him, but it's been quite some time since then. He hasn't ever forgotten: it was a gratitude that led to the embrace back then, an expression of thanks to him for vowing to protect Peter. Something a little trembling, a little wary; she'd been nervous of him after what he'd done.
This is... different. She's glad to see him — she says it directly — and Paimon's eyes widen even further as he understands the gesture is outright affection. And where last time he had only stood there, an unmoving body for her to hold onto for however long she liked, this time.... he slowly moves his arms to embrace her in return.
It's a little awkward — an alien thing imitating the gesture of affection he's felt through Peter but never expressed himself, perhaps not even in any of his pasts; such gestures simply aren't meant for his kind. He's confused on how tightly he should hold onto her, but then settles for something very soft, careful with her. )
I am very glad to see you, also. I do not remember much before, but.... I know that you healed us.
( Things he's learned through Peter being informed of them afterwards. She'd done it, sacrificed of her own blood. There was a poison deep in Peter, but it's gone now. It's the demon's turn to feel a swell of gratitude for Luna, one that makes his voice sound a little more emotional than it usually could, warmed. )
Thank you. It is because of your efforts that we are not lost. ....Because of you.
[ In all honesty, she doesn't expect him to hug her back, even if the gesture is somewhat awkward. She's long since known that gestures like this aren't something that he's known for. He certainly doesn't hug; she remembers how he'd reacted when she'd done it last time in the Great Sleep — how still and silent he'd been. He's treated her kindly in his own way, of course. Interacted with her with a gentleness much like the kind that she often extends to him. But this is... something else.
And then a 'thank you'; he's grateful for what she's done, too. Luna's eyes flutter for a moment, lips pursing and she nods her head a little. It's still oddly kind of nice, this, even though it's a little awkward. Especially considering last month. She doesn't mind this, she'll happily accept awkward hugs. She really is quite relieved this is her Paimon. ]
I just... couldn't let either of you disappear. [ And let whoever it was stay. Even if he was more Paimon than anything else. Luna does understand that Peter might disappear completely one day, and she doesn't quite know how that might be, how Paimon might be without Peter alongside him. The Waste might have been a hint of that, perhaps. How he'd apologised to her for the fact the Peter of his time was gone. But this? It... didn't seem right, to her. This was something far more darker. ]
I'm sorry it took me so long to work out what to do. [ She knows it isn't her fault, not really. Not when she was dealing with her own issues with Corruption and it took Ange to talk her down so she could see clearly enough to try and work out something to do.
But it felt... frighteningly too close to not being able to do anything at all. Her interactions with whatever he'd become had... not entirely been pleasant, even if he'd hadn't been outwardly antagonistic. She'd been listened to, obeyed. But nothing more. Even she'd had to deal with odd hissing fits in her direction. Luna's... really trying not to dwell on it so much. It's been dealt with now, this should be a happier time, even if Paimon's kind of surprised her this evening. ]
You sound different. [ Speaking of: she has to ask. She pulls away from him then, although doesn't quite part completely. Her hands rest on his shoulders, head tipping one way to look at him curiously. ] Are you... alright?
And then a 'thank you'; he's grateful for what she's done, too. Luna's eyes flutter for a moment, lips pursing and she nods her head a little. It's still oddly kind of nice, this, even though it's a little awkward. Especially considering last month. She doesn't mind this, she'll happily accept awkward hugs. She really is quite relieved this is her Paimon. ]
I just... couldn't let either of you disappear. [ And let whoever it was stay. Even if he was more Paimon than anything else. Luna does understand that Peter might disappear completely one day, and she doesn't quite know how that might be, how Paimon might be without Peter alongside him. The Waste might have been a hint of that, perhaps. How he'd apologised to her for the fact the Peter of his time was gone. But this? It... didn't seem right, to her. This was something far more darker. ]
I'm sorry it took me so long to work out what to do. [ She knows it isn't her fault, not really. Not when she was dealing with her own issues with Corruption and it took Ange to talk her down so she could see clearly enough to try and work out something to do.
But it felt... frighteningly too close to not being able to do anything at all. Her interactions with whatever he'd become had... not entirely been pleasant, even if he'd hadn't been outwardly antagonistic. She'd been listened to, obeyed. But nothing more. Even she'd had to deal with odd hissing fits in her direction. Luna's... really trying not to dwell on it so much. It's been dealt with now, this should be a happier time, even if Paimon's kind of surprised her this evening. ]
You sound different. [ Speaking of: she has to ask. She pulls away from him then, although doesn't quite part completely. Her hands rest on his shoulders, head tipping one way to look at him curiously. ] Are you... alright?
( He's always known of Luna's loyalty to Peter. Over time, it's taken some adjusting from him to understand the shape of that loyalty — how something as powerful as her could feel such devotion to a normal mortal boy like Peter. But he's always known how strongly she'd fight for him, how fiercely. A young witch calling the demon forward, offering a clipping of her own hair, prepared to do whatever it took to keep his vessel's spirit safe. She's studied and worked and learned as much as she can to protect Peter.
By extension, it means she protects Paimon, too. He's essentially fully accepted that he and Peter share this body now; he no longer has any desire at all to be rid of the boy's spirit, even outside of what was agreed upon in his Pact with Luna. The three of them have formed a sort of system — though Peter may never be thrilled about housing him.... — but it works because all three of them are here. If Peter were to leave, the witch would be.... devastated. It would ruin her, Paimon knows. They need Peter to stay.
But hearing that she was trying to keep Paimon, too... That she couldn't let either of them disappear... Perhaps he wasn't expecting to hear that. It stuns him again, quietly. He knows the affection she has for his vessel is different from what she feels towards him. But it makes him think to what he'd discussed with Ange — the Golden Witch — that time he'd first met her. She'd said she was... friends with her demons, and though the concept is still strange to him, to be friends with.... anyone, something in him is... pleased by the idea. That his witch missed him. Cares for him. Tried to prevent losing him, too. )
You did very well. As well as you could possibly have done. ( He may not have been present for what transpired — not in a form he can explicitly remember — but he knows that much to be true. Paimon trusts Luna more than he trusts anyone, has an unrelenting belief in her strength, and he praises her with a sincerity now, a reassurance. And a pride in her; what she'd done was... no small feat. )
I am very well, do not be worried. ( He further tries to reassure her as she pulls back enough to look at him, wide eyes fixed right on her. After a moment, he looks down to the sofa and slowly moves to sit back down there, gently coaxing her to sit, too. He knows she must be tired. ) I feel... very much at peace. Your mate and I are at peace.
( .....Calling Peter her "mate" is probably so much worse than calling him "vessel", but he still kind of thinks the word pleases her. A recognition of his vessel's own bond with his witch. )
But you.... your hands... ( The demon gazes down at the bandages, features tightening slightly. )
You are still wrapped in coverings. Your injuries must have been severe. Are you hurting?
By extension, it means she protects Paimon, too. He's essentially fully accepted that he and Peter share this body now; he no longer has any desire at all to be rid of the boy's spirit, even outside of what was agreed upon in his Pact with Luna. The three of them have formed a sort of system — though Peter may never be thrilled about housing him.... — but it works because all three of them are here. If Peter were to leave, the witch would be.... devastated. It would ruin her, Paimon knows. They need Peter to stay.
But hearing that she was trying to keep Paimon, too... That she couldn't let either of them disappear... Perhaps he wasn't expecting to hear that. It stuns him again, quietly. He knows the affection she has for his vessel is different from what she feels towards him. But it makes him think to what he'd discussed with Ange — the Golden Witch — that time he'd first met her. She'd said she was... friends with her demons, and though the concept is still strange to him, to be friends with.... anyone, something in him is... pleased by the idea. That his witch missed him. Cares for him. Tried to prevent losing him, too. )
You did very well. As well as you could possibly have done. ( He may not have been present for what transpired — not in a form he can explicitly remember — but he knows that much to be true. Paimon trusts Luna more than he trusts anyone, has an unrelenting belief in her strength, and he praises her with a sincerity now, a reassurance. And a pride in her; what she'd done was... no small feat. )
I am very well, do not be worried. ( He further tries to reassure her as she pulls back enough to look at him, wide eyes fixed right on her. After a moment, he looks down to the sofa and slowly moves to sit back down there, gently coaxing her to sit, too. He knows she must be tired. ) I feel... very much at peace. Your mate and I are at peace.
( .....Calling Peter her "mate" is probably so much worse than calling him "vessel", but he still kind of thinks the word pleases her. A recognition of his vessel's own bond with his witch. )
But you.... your hands... ( The demon gazes down at the bandages, features tightening slightly. )
You are still wrapped in coverings. Your injuries must have been severe. Are you hurting?
[ Peter will always be important to her, and she'd quite likely go to the ends of the world for him — do whatever it takes to keep him for as long as she possibly can. Of course, she knows there's no guarantee with that. She can only try as best as she can. To hear it acknowledged by the one she'd once seen as a threat to Peter's existence within himself is a surprise, but a pleasant one.
She knows Paimon doesn't exactly have the best opinion of Peter, even if he sworn to protect him too. But he recognises what she's done — the benefit of it for both of them, to keep them both in that balance together and he praises her for it. There's no mistaking the pride in her from him, and it gently warms her. She nods, appreciates it: You did very well. As well as you could possibly have done. ]
You're just... you're speaking well. [ Slowly she moves to sit beside him, still looking at him with curiosity. They're at peace, he says. And it confirms what she's noticed about Peter in the last few days — how he's been coping with the recovery. ] I've noticed Peter's been... less anxious, too. Do you think it's because of what I did?
[ But Merlin, she needs to... really try get him to come up with something better than her 'mate' to refer to Peter. There's a polite smile, but... hm, ...yes. It's a little... odd. But it is good he's recognising the fact that her relationship with Peter is important to her! ]
Ah, well. Um, a bit. [ Certainly it's been a bit difficult with the day to day, she can't grip as well, or needs to be careful with what she does. ] The cuts were quite deep but that's— I asked that of you.
[ She understands she'd be coming out of the ritual injured, that just comes with the territory of doing something like a blood ritual. The cuts needed to be deep, to make sure the blood would be enough for Moon Presence. She needed to offer an amount that wouldn't seem insulting; Moon Presence is still a powerful being even if she does feel a kind of kinship to her.
And really, she'd gladly offer the blood if it meant fixing what was wrong — it felt like a small price to pay. Luna inhales softly, offering him a reassuring smile. ]
I knew what I had to do. And I had a little Essence of Dittany left to help start the healing, they're much better than they could be. [ A pause. ] I'm alright. It just needs time, is all.
She knows Paimon doesn't exactly have the best opinion of Peter, even if he sworn to protect him too. But he recognises what she's done — the benefit of it for both of them, to keep them both in that balance together and he praises her for it. There's no mistaking the pride in her from him, and it gently warms her. She nods, appreciates it: You did very well. As well as you could possibly have done. ]
You're just... you're speaking well. [ Slowly she moves to sit beside him, still looking at him with curiosity. They're at peace, he says. And it confirms what she's noticed about Peter in the last few days — how he's been coping with the recovery. ] I've noticed Peter's been... less anxious, too. Do you think it's because of what I did?
[ But Merlin, she needs to... really try get him to come up with something better than her 'mate' to refer to Peter. There's a polite smile, but... hm, ...yes. It's a little... odd. But it is good he's recognising the fact that her relationship with Peter is important to her! ]
Ah, well. Um, a bit. [ Certainly it's been a bit difficult with the day to day, she can't grip as well, or needs to be careful with what she does. ] The cuts were quite deep but that's— I asked that of you.
[ She understands she'd be coming out of the ritual injured, that just comes with the territory of doing something like a blood ritual. The cuts needed to be deep, to make sure the blood would be enough for Moon Presence. She needed to offer an amount that wouldn't seem insulting; Moon Presence is still a powerful being even if she does feel a kind of kinship to her.
And really, she'd gladly offer the blood if it meant fixing what was wrong — it felt like a small price to pay. Luna inhales softly, offering him a reassuring smile. ]
I knew what I had to do. And I had a little Essence of Dittany left to help start the healing, they're much better than they could be. [ A pause. ] I'm alright. It just needs time, is all.
( The demon pauses, considering this. It's not something he's explicitly been aware of, but it's true that he's felt... more clear. His thoughts, energy... This is the first time he's had a conversation with someone since the month began, but he's realising that she's right. He's able to... speak, to express himself verbally in ways he usually still struggles with. )
I believe it must be. When you cleared the toxin, the.... Corruption, as they call it? It must have helped our energy, our..... selves. Physical, mental...
( He doesn't know about the overarching blood effects going on this month, but it's evident that he and Peter are both doing much better now, that things feel better in comparison to even before the Corruption happened. His host's energy is less anxious, like she says, noticeably relaxed and comfortable. ....Coming from a demon's perspective, Peter's much more pleasant to live in these days, really.
His gratitude towards Luna is warming in him again; she's done so much for them. And she'd clearly spilled.... a lot of blood. The demon certainly understands the importance of such a sacrifice, the power behind it. His spirit prickles at the very thought, eyes shimmering quietly for a few moments as he gazes down at the wounds.
....But there is a concern for her too, for the physical injury. It's an odd awareness to have: to be in awe of Luna's sacrifice and yet worried about her state afterwards. But that's... part of it, really. His bond with his witch is a lasting thing, and he's meant to take good care of her. He wouldn't want her harmed very much, and though it was necessary for the ritual she'd undergone with such a powerful being, he's..... feeling a bit fretful about it, really. )
We will help you heal, and we will take care of you, now. ( He promises, very solemnly, eyes lifting to meet Luna's and just stare again with that same intensity as before. 'We' because it's him and Peter, and for all of their struggle still with one another, that is something they can agree on. Luna's done more than enough; though neither of them can remember the past month, they both know she'd suffered for it. )
As such, I will return your slumbering mate to you shortly. But I do need to discuss something with you. ( It's something he hasn't gotten a chance to touch base with her about; things went downhill so fast, but it's of a great deal of importance. Still, the demon is mindful of that fresh vow to take good care of his witch, and so before he launches into it... he has to ask something first. He's learned that humans seem to enjoy tea when having serious conversations.
He's still staring at Luna very intently, very serious, as he asks.... )
May I make some tea for you, first?
( ...Oh no. )
I believe it must be. When you cleared the toxin, the.... Corruption, as they call it? It must have helped our energy, our..... selves. Physical, mental...
( He doesn't know about the overarching blood effects going on this month, but it's evident that he and Peter are both doing much better now, that things feel better in comparison to even before the Corruption happened. His host's energy is less anxious, like she says, noticeably relaxed and comfortable. ....Coming from a demon's perspective, Peter's much more pleasant to live in these days, really.
His gratitude towards Luna is warming in him again; she's done so much for them. And she'd clearly spilled.... a lot of blood. The demon certainly understands the importance of such a sacrifice, the power behind it. His spirit prickles at the very thought, eyes shimmering quietly for a few moments as he gazes down at the wounds.
....But there is a concern for her too, for the physical injury. It's an odd awareness to have: to be in awe of Luna's sacrifice and yet worried about her state afterwards. But that's... part of it, really. His bond with his witch is a lasting thing, and he's meant to take good care of her. He wouldn't want her harmed very much, and though it was necessary for the ritual she'd undergone with such a powerful being, he's..... feeling a bit fretful about it, really. )
We will help you heal, and we will take care of you, now. ( He promises, very solemnly, eyes lifting to meet Luna's and just stare again with that same intensity as before. 'We' because it's him and Peter, and for all of their struggle still with one another, that is something they can agree on. Luna's done more than enough; though neither of them can remember the past month, they both know she'd suffered for it. )
As such, I will return your slumbering mate to you shortly. But I do need to discuss something with you. ( It's something he hasn't gotten a chance to touch base with her about; things went downhill so fast, but it's of a great deal of importance. Still, the demon is mindful of that fresh vow to take good care of his witch, and so before he launches into it... he has to ask something first. He's learned that humans seem to enjoy tea when having serious conversations.
He's still staring at Luna very intently, very serious, as he asks.... )
May I make some tea for you, first?
( ...Oh no. )
Well, that's good. [ She thinks. She hopes. It always seems like such a delicate and precarious balance between the two of them. Luna knows how careful she has to be with them; something like a blood ritual with Moon Presence was... a bolder move. She would like to be optimistic about it all, but maybe she should just... continue to keep an eye on things. It does seem to be going quite well for now, though. And that's a huge relief for her.
They just... need to try and work to stop this from happening again. Luna doesn't even know how it quickly got so out of hand. It was if Peter simply slipped away from her without her realising. There was nothing out of the usual for him, nothing outside of his normal spells that come from demonic possession and then — well, what he turned into.
But Paimon's not considering that, and she blinks with quiet surprise. We will help you heal, and we will take care of you, now. She wasn't the one who needed a blood ritual, they were. She might have had her own Corruption to deal with, but they were in a far worse state that she was. But the demon's telling her that she's the one who'll be looked after now — not just by one or the other, but both. And it's another thing that gently stuns her: they agree on something.
Luna utters a soft breath, head dipping to one side. There's a little swell of pride within her, a small smile at her lips. And while she doesn't say anything, she carefully reaches up with one hand to gently cup his cheek. It's a brief gesture, a single stroke of her thumb in both thanks and pride of him. ]
Oh, alright. We can do that. [ She's not entirely sure what it is he needs to talk about. But it's been a good while since they've even had a chance to. She pulls her hand away and straightens up, ready to hear whatever it is he wants to talk about with her.
But the question isn't what she's been expecting; she's quite ready for Paimon to dive straight into things but instead he's... offering to make her... tea. She sits wide-eyed, a little taken aback for a moment. But it's actually quite a kind offer? ]
... Oh. That— that would be quite nice. [ Luna, no. ] But— please be careful with the stove when you're heating the water, alright?
[ Can we have no injuries during this tea-making, please. ]
They just... need to try and work to stop this from happening again. Luna doesn't even know how it quickly got so out of hand. It was if Peter simply slipped away from her without her realising. There was nothing out of the usual for him, nothing outside of his normal spells that come from demonic possession and then — well, what he turned into.
But Paimon's not considering that, and she blinks with quiet surprise. We will help you heal, and we will take care of you, now. She wasn't the one who needed a blood ritual, they were. She might have had her own Corruption to deal with, but they were in a far worse state that she was. But the demon's telling her that she's the one who'll be looked after now — not just by one or the other, but both. And it's another thing that gently stuns her: they agree on something.
Luna utters a soft breath, head dipping to one side. There's a little swell of pride within her, a small smile at her lips. And while she doesn't say anything, she carefully reaches up with one hand to gently cup his cheek. It's a brief gesture, a single stroke of her thumb in both thanks and pride of him. ]
Oh, alright. We can do that. [ She's not entirely sure what it is he needs to talk about. But it's been a good while since they've even had a chance to. She pulls her hand away and straightens up, ready to hear whatever it is he wants to talk about with her.
But the question isn't what she's been expecting; she's quite ready for Paimon to dive straight into things but instead he's... offering to make her... tea. She sits wide-eyed, a little taken aback for a moment. But it's actually quite a kind offer? ]
... Oh. That— that would be quite nice. [ Luna, no. ] But— please be careful with the stove when you're heating the water, alright?
[ Can we have no injuries during this tea-making, please. ]
( The touch to his face freshly warms him, something pleased fluttering around within the demon's spirit: a calm fluttering, not restless or agitated. This is how he's meant to be and he's pleased — and even moreso because his witch is pleased. Paimon almost seems to smile at her, the line of his mouth moving just a little, eyes warm despite all that's alien to them. He's with her again, and she pets his face in the way that's familiar and safe, and things feel nice, at ease. He's... happy. )
I will be careful. ( He promises, slowly moving to stand up. ) Wait here, my witch.... Rest your body for a moment. I shall return.
( It's said very solemnly, as though he's about to embark on an important quest... and with that, the demon moves to the kitchen, a quiet presence against the wooden floors.
This is, of course, his first time making tea..... but he's watched Luna do it before, always the quiet observer. So he's very carefully turning on the stove and setting the water to boil, imitating what he's seen his witch do. He is very good at following steps if he knows what's meant to happen next, and his time at the bakery has given him some added experience with that, too. He's also very meticulous when it comes to arranging things, setting what he'll need neatly down on the counter — cup, spoon, milk, sugar, whatever it is that Luna's used for her tea in the past.
The heating process is made considerably shorter by the fact he ends up holding his hand over the water to finish boiling it faster — pyrokinetic powers can be used for things other then destruction! — and is sure to turn the stove off before he begins to actually prepare the tea. When he gets to the point he's pouring the water over the teabag the way he's seen Luna do, his eyes are wide and intense, focused. This is extremely important. It must be made exactly to suit his witch's tastes.
.....Now. The thing is. While he's observed just how much sweetening Luna may prefer for her tea (and it's certainly not as much as he's about to put in), Paimon knows his witch has a tremendous sweet tooth, and his way of thinking is along the lines that the sweeter it is, the more meaningful the gesture will be. He doesn't quite understand that it doesn't work that way when it comes to human tastebuds.
Which is to say that Paimon ends up putting an obscene amount of sugar in. Is it around 15 spoonfuls or so? Yes. Yes, it is.
And after stirring it delicately with the spoon... he's finished with his task. Fingers wrapped carefully around the hot mug, the demon returns to Luna, reaching to slowly hand her the tea. )
I have made it to your liking....
( RIP, Luna. )
I will be careful. ( He promises, slowly moving to stand up. ) Wait here, my witch.... Rest your body for a moment. I shall return.
( It's said very solemnly, as though he's about to embark on an important quest... and with that, the demon moves to the kitchen, a quiet presence against the wooden floors.
This is, of course, his first time making tea..... but he's watched Luna do it before, always the quiet observer. So he's very carefully turning on the stove and setting the water to boil, imitating what he's seen his witch do. He is very good at following steps if he knows what's meant to happen next, and his time at the bakery has given him some added experience with that, too. He's also very meticulous when it comes to arranging things, setting what he'll need neatly down on the counter — cup, spoon, milk, sugar, whatever it is that Luna's used for her tea in the past.
The heating process is made considerably shorter by the fact he ends up holding his hand over the water to finish boiling it faster — pyrokinetic powers can be used for things other then destruction! — and is sure to turn the stove off before he begins to actually prepare the tea. When he gets to the point he's pouring the water over the teabag the way he's seen Luna do, his eyes are wide and intense, focused. This is extremely important. It must be made exactly to suit his witch's tastes.
.....Now. The thing is. While he's observed just how much sweetening Luna may prefer for her tea (and it's certainly not as much as he's about to put in), Paimon knows his witch has a tremendous sweet tooth, and his way of thinking is along the lines that the sweeter it is, the more meaningful the gesture will be. He doesn't quite understand that it doesn't work that way when it comes to human tastebuds.
Which is to say that Paimon ends up putting an obscene amount of sugar in. Is it around 15 spoonfuls or so? Yes. Yes, it is.
And after stirring it delicately with the spoon... he's finished with his task. Fingers wrapped carefully around the hot mug, the demon returns to Luna, reaching to slowly hand her the tea. )
I have made it to your liking....
( RIP, Luna. )
Luna-san, is there anything I can do to help? You're all safe, right?
[Usagi wants absolutely nothing to happen to anyone in Clockhouse. She shouldn't and doesn't apologize for Maul, though the words are on the tip of her tongue. It's not for her to apologize for Maul's actions.
But that doesn't mean she wants to stand idly by if Maul decides to actually pull anything. Can all three of them actually keep themselves safe? Yes, but they shouldn't have to watch over their shoulders.]
I... [She sighs. She says it even if it isn't her actions.] I'm sorry, none of you deserve any of this.
[Usagi wants absolutely nothing to happen to anyone in Clockhouse. She shouldn't and doesn't apologize for Maul, though the words are on the tip of her tongue. It's not for her to apologize for Maul's actions.
But that doesn't mean she wants to stand idly by if Maul decides to actually pull anything. Can all three of them actually keep themselves safe? Yes, but they shouldn't have to watch over their shoulders.]
I... [She sighs. She says it even if it isn't her actions.] I'm sorry, none of you deserve any of this.
[ This whole thing is an absolute nightmare. She can't actually believe Maul somehow managed to break his curse without having to do the proper leg work. He cheated his way out of it. She's angry about that, of course she is. But she's mostly just disappointed and disgusted by him. ]
I don't know. [ There's a long sigh. She doesn't. ] I'm busy reworking the wards on my home. I do have some specially intended to keep Maul out, but—
If it comes to it, if he comes for me — I won't be holding back this time. [ She's been relatively tame with Maul in terms of magic. It's not like she can just... lock herself in her house forever. Her shoulders sink slightly. ]
I'm sorry, too. For you. [ Genuinely, she is. ] Because the people he's hurting the most are you, and Varian.
I don't know. [ There's a long sigh. She doesn't. ] I'm busy reworking the wards on my home. I do have some specially intended to keep Maul out, but—
If it comes to it, if he comes for me — I won't be holding back this time. [ She's been relatively tame with Maul in terms of magic. It's not like she can just... lock herself in her house forever. Her shoulders sink slightly. ]
I'm sorry, too. For you. [ Genuinely, she is. ] Because the people he's hurting the most are you, and Varian.
[She is silent for a moment and then lets out a long breath.]
If you want, I can help make those wards incredibly strong.
But also... Luna, you have every right to protect yourself. You don't deserve looking over your shoulder thinking "is today the day Maul attacks?"
Killing his wrath clearly didn't destroy it. [If you want to know how he cheated, Luna, Usagi might be able to clue you in.]
He's... [She lets out another breath. She shakes her head, smiling.] I can manage alright. [She's dealt with awful before, Maul remains a very small scale of terrible compared to what she's been through.]
I don't know how Varian is going to be though, I'm worried about him being hurt much more by this. [Varian... puts a LOT into Maul's redemption for his own reasons.]
If you want, I can help make those wards incredibly strong.
But also... Luna, you have every right to protect yourself. You don't deserve looking over your shoulder thinking "is today the day Maul attacks?"
Killing his wrath clearly didn't destroy it. [If you want to know how he cheated, Luna, Usagi might be able to clue you in.]
He's... [She lets out another breath. She shakes her head, smiling.] I can manage alright. [She's dealt with awful before, Maul remains a very small scale of terrible compared to what she's been through.]
I don't know how Varian is going to be though, I'm worried about him being hurt much more by this. [Varian... puts a LOT into Maul's redemption for his own reasons.]
You... can? [ Her eyes are wide with curiosity, wondering how she might do such a thing. But in all honesty, she will take as much help as she can. ]
I know there's... mixed opinions on what we did to Maul. Curses are serious business, and it wasn't something we took lightly. But other than that and temporarily jinxing his tongue to the roof of his mouth— [ ... yes, she did that once. But these were... not as terrible as they could have been. ] I suppose I want to warn in advance. He's still someone you care about, after all.
... What do you mean? [ She would absolutely like to be clued in there. ]
I'm just... I'm quite sad for you. It's not fair for you, and the fact you both vouched for him. I really thought he was trying. It... it feels like he's betrayed you both. [ Her relationship with Varian is... very complicated. But it's not as if she doesn't care. And she... does know about Varian's past. ] Please make sure he's alright, Usagi.
I know there's... mixed opinions on what we did to Maul. Curses are serious business, and it wasn't something we took lightly. But other than that and temporarily jinxing his tongue to the roof of his mouth— [ ... yes, she did that once. But these were... not as terrible as they could have been. ] I suppose I want to warn in advance. He's still someone you care about, after all.
... What do you mean? [ She would absolutely like to be clued in there. ]
I'm just... I'm quite sad for you. It's not fair for you, and the fact you both vouched for him. I really thought he was trying. It... it feels like he's betrayed you both. [ Her relationship with Varian is... very complicated. But it's not as if she doesn't care. And she... does know about Varian's past. ] Please make sure he's alright, Usagi.
I don't go advertising it... but, yes.
Anyway, just let me know when and where. I'll be there.
When he first told me about the curse, I told him he didn't get to be mad about people taking his threats seriously and defending themselves for it. I had to explain remorse to him because he literally never felt it before.
Thank you for telling me. And I suppose... some people must think I'm absolutely insane for still supporting him after this. I'd understand if you were pissed at me for it and didn't want me around.
And... I don't know what happened or how, I mean, I now know WHY I guess... Maul got... split up. Every emotion he has in a different body. Imagine waking up to the sound of someone having broken into your kitchen and there's... pink Maulberry Milkshake version of him, with strawberries instead of horns in bright pink clothes making me breakfast and profusing how much he loves me and then not wanting me to ever leave his sight.
I finally did and was headed to his place to figure out what was going on only to see ANOTHER him all in red throwing people into walls or slicing off limbs for just existing around him.
Both of them had crystals around their necks. I had to kill that version of him, the... rampaging one. And I was left with a red crystal afterward. When I got to Maul's place, the REAL him was in a coma.
He's my next call after you three. [Since they're in danger and Varian definitely ISN'T.] But I will, thank you for caring about him, Luna-san.
Anyway, just let me know when and where. I'll be there.
When he first told me about the curse, I told him he didn't get to be mad about people taking his threats seriously and defending themselves for it. I had to explain remorse to him because he literally never felt it before.
Thank you for telling me. And I suppose... some people must think I'm absolutely insane for still supporting him after this. I'd understand if you were pissed at me for it and didn't want me around.
And... I don't know what happened or how, I mean, I now know WHY I guess... Maul got... split up. Every emotion he has in a different body. Imagine waking up to the sound of someone having broken into your kitchen and there's... pink Maulberry Milkshake version of him, with strawberries instead of horns in bright pink clothes making me breakfast and profusing how much he loves me and then not wanting me to ever leave his sight.
I finally did and was headed to his place to figure out what was going on only to see ANOTHER him all in red throwing people into walls or slicing off limbs for just existing around him.
Both of them had crystals around their necks. I had to kill that version of him, the... rampaging one. And I was left with a red crystal afterward. When I got to Maul's place, the REAL him was in a coma.
He's my next call after you three. [Since they're in danger and Varian definitely ISN'T.] But I will, thank you for caring about him, Luna-san.
[ Oh, a smile. Well, sort of a smile. Certainly one for Paimon considering he doesn't really smile. The way he displays emotion is... very different. Something so foreign. He really is quite different now, isn't he?
It's... a nice gesture. Being made tea. Luna smiles kindly, nodding as he gets up to head out the room. She sits quietly, hands pressed between her knees — listening intently for the sounds of him moving about in the kitchen. It's not that she doesn't trust him with the task, but she's listening just in case things might go awry. Certainly he's watched her do something like making tea plenty of times, but he's... never actually done it himself. And it is something involving the stove, after all. He did say he'd be careful, but... well — accidents happen, don't they?
He returns quicker than she thought he'd take, surprise passing over her face as she takes the mug from him with a soft thank you. It looks pretty much like tea, and everything seems to have gone smoothly. Until... she brings the mug to her lips. Immediately, she realises there's something... a little bit wrong. A mix of sickening levels of sweetness of the liquid but the very noticeable grainy texture to it. Luna startles slightly, makes a soft little sound as she pulls the mug away from her lips. There's a moment where she sits, mouthful of tea, not sure what to do. Spitting it out is not an answer, that would be rude.
So she... gently tries to just... force the mouthful down — doing her best not to wince at the sweetness. She does enjoy her sugar in tea, but this is.... Merlin. ]
... Paimon, did you count how many sugars you put in this? [ She twists the mug, tries to turn the liquid. It... looks a little sludgy. Maybe she can stir it a little bit? Try to get rid of some of the sugar that way?
Her right hand shifts over the top of the mug, barely an inch or two off the surface of the liquid within it. With a couple moments of intense concentration to get things going, she starts drawing tiny circles in the air above the tea — a slow, gentle stirring motion. After a few seconds, the liquid begins to swirl in the mug; a tiny vortex churning away. Hopefully that will help. ]
It's... it's a very kind gesture thank you. [ She clears her throat, politely holding onto the mug with one hand as she continues to stir the tea with the little wandless spell. ]
What was it that you wanted to speak to me about?
It's... a nice gesture. Being made tea. Luna smiles kindly, nodding as he gets up to head out the room. She sits quietly, hands pressed between her knees — listening intently for the sounds of him moving about in the kitchen. It's not that she doesn't trust him with the task, but she's listening just in case things might go awry. Certainly he's watched her do something like making tea plenty of times, but he's... never actually done it himself. And it is something involving the stove, after all. He did say he'd be careful, but... well — accidents happen, don't they?
He returns quicker than she thought he'd take, surprise passing over her face as she takes the mug from him with a soft thank you. It looks pretty much like tea, and everything seems to have gone smoothly. Until... she brings the mug to her lips. Immediately, she realises there's something... a little bit wrong. A mix of sickening levels of sweetness of the liquid but the very noticeable grainy texture to it. Luna startles slightly, makes a soft little sound as she pulls the mug away from her lips. There's a moment where she sits, mouthful of tea, not sure what to do. Spitting it out is not an answer, that would be rude.
So she... gently tries to just... force the mouthful down — doing her best not to wince at the sweetness. She does enjoy her sugar in tea, but this is.... Merlin. ]
... Paimon, did you count how many sugars you put in this? [ She twists the mug, tries to turn the liquid. It... looks a little sludgy. Maybe she can stir it a little bit? Try to get rid of some of the sugar that way?
Her right hand shifts over the top of the mug, barely an inch or two off the surface of the liquid within it. With a couple moments of intense concentration to get things going, she starts drawing tiny circles in the air above the tea — a slow, gentle stirring motion. After a few seconds, the liquid begins to swirl in the mug; a tiny vortex churning away. Hopefully that will help. ]
It's... it's a very kind gesture thank you. [ She clears her throat, politely holding onto the mug with one hand as she continues to stir the tea with the little wandless spell. ]
What was it that you wanted to speak to me about?
A.... lot has happened, in the span of a few very short days. The situation with Maul is a fresh and gutting horror, a worry that's set itself into Peter so severely that he's felt ill since it happened. There's some stinging upset in him that it had to happen so close to Luna's birthday; she's so rarely been afforded a truly relaxing time to turn a year older. He's tried to make the day as laidback for her as it can be — sneaking out of bed in the early hours to fix her breakfast (not the complete disaster it might've been; he's learned how to cook eggs and make toast.... he even put jam on it....), lounging around comfortably in PJs all day long, and just enjoying her company together in the space that feels like their home now. In a way, it's very reminiscent of those final days they'd spent together in Deerington.
Peter's shyly given hints to a present, but saved it until the later hours, after some time that she's posted that message. Some time spent thinking about all of it. Then, he'll catch his girlfriend in a quiet moment to give her his birthday gift, shy-smiled. Presented in a little blue cloth bag is a ring — a pale, iridescent moonstone with a thin silver band.
One which he'll explain a certain importance of: similar to the pocketwatch she'd given him for his 18th birthday having a certain meaning, this ring isn't just an ordinary one. He's not sure if it's a custom that witches and wizards have, but in the Muggle world, serious couples often give each other Promise Rings to signify an important bond. It's an innocent thing in its ways, but also extremely significant, as it's meant to symbolise a commitment to someone and a promise of a future together. And yes, there are talks lately of a more literal bond between the two of them — something connected through blood — but this... is still meaningful, to him. Something that feels very "human" in its ways, and maybe that's something he still wants to try to hold onto through what might be coming next for them.
...But there's even more to this, something that Peter seems a bit visibly nervous to talk about. This wasn't made with blood the way jewelry so commonly is around here (and it might seem that Paleblood was used, given that the pale, iridescent gemstone looks a lot like Luna's blood, but no... it wasn't made with anyone's blood).
This was made by.... him. It came from him. Peter's awkward as he tries to explain, unsure exactly how, but.... while his relationship with Paimon obviously isn't as a summoner or magician or anything that gives magic or offerings, he's still providing the demon with something precious. A home — a body, a contained physical form, a means through which to exist on this plane and interact with it. A "correct" host.
Which, by the rules, means Paimon can provide Peter with things in return. Their continued co-existence here is, in itself, an exchange. This is a fact the demon himself has only recently been truly understanding, and that knowledge has been bleeding through into Peter ever since he was brought back from Corruption by Luna and working on his mental health, stability. The jagged pieces between him and Paimon are beginning to smooth out, something between their spirits starting to connect more properly.
...He'd discovered this after some time of thinking of wanting to find or make Luna a ring like this, his intention clear and precise, knowing exactly how he wanted his Promise Ring for her to look. One afternoon when he'd been thinking of it again (nothing too fancy or flashy, but rather softly iridescent, something like the moon) he fell down on the floor.
And then Peter had felt it... happening, inside of him. Felt it forming, sparkling. A rush of power unlike anything he's ever felt in his life. He'd known to sit up and cup his hands the way Paimon does, known to coax the image of the ring into existence right into his palms: a treasure. Paimon conjured it, granted it, for him — but in a way it was also Peter conjuring and granting it, for himself. For a moment, there was some inexplicable blur between the two of them, the experience of conjuring being shared for the first time ever.
It took a lot out of him. Peter had passed out immediately after, and slept for a long time. He felt strange and sick for a while after waking up again, extremely disoriented and weakened.
Paimon gave him the knowledge of why it was so strenuous on him. Not only because of the amount of energy that was involved, but also the fact Peter was conscious and aware through it, experiencing it right alongside him for the first time, as the "requester". Then of course is the fact that conjuring anything but gold is still hard for him (them) right now — but that capability is there. Maybe this will help open it up a bit more, make conjuring other things besides gold more accessible to Paimon. The demon's been... excited by the prospect, happy; ever since conjuring the ring for Peter, something's felt opened up in his spirit. He's grown that bit closer to his true self.
....Peter doesn't know what this means. It's certainly a fear, a worry, that he's opened up a door inside of himself that was closed before, tapped into something, made contact with Paimon in a particular way he hasn't before. He's never thought about getting a grant from the demon possessing himself, would never ever have wanted to do such a thing in the past. But maybe he's been leading up to a deeper connection with Paimon in this strange new place that's been affecting them already, amplified with what's happened regarding Maul. The way Peter's found himself more open to the demon than ever before, because he knows Paimon would also do anything to protect Luna, and on some level he... welcomes it now. It's the rare one thing they truly share.
.....Anyway....! Peter will have explained as best as he can to Luna, a little breathless, a little shaky, by the end of it all. It's not something he regrets, he'll make sure to tell her that (as he's sure she'll express worries about all of this). It came out exactly like how Peter was imagining it, exactly how he wanted it to be, and he's... proud of it. It's something that came directly from his own spirit, for someone he loves. His own little treasure for her. It's just... a change; he's aware that he's changed, a little bit more. And he wants to tell her everything, as they continue on this evolving journey together, growing closer in new ways.
So, a Promise Ring for his witchy girl, a symbol of a future together — something literally forged from his own soul. Peter will gently put it on Luna's hand, and it fits perfectly, as though it were made for her finger alone; it was, it's hers, he's hers.
Of course, Paimon has his own gift for Luna..... something he'll present to her a bit later on, after Peter's had plenty of alone time with her and after dinner. It's.... a Very Special Cake he's made all by himself, taking several hours the previous day to prepare, utilising what he's been learning while working at Lysithea's bakery.
It's... a bit reminiscent of something a child might attempt, with clumps of icing made to look like flower petals (?) scattered around the top and sides. But despite being a bit shaky here and there (maybe it's clear he's still getting used to a frosting piping bag), evidence of the demon's meticulous nature will shine when it comes to the actual taste and texture of the cake. Not only did he use colours he thinks Luna would enjoy, but it's very obvious he followed a recipe to an exact science; the cake is soft and fluffy..... and with the correct amounts of sugar; fortunately, the Tea Incident has not been repeated this time. In fact, as far as cakes go, the taste of this Demon Cake is almost inhumanly perfect.
....The inside is, of course, very colourful and exciting for his Witch.
Paimon's quite proud of his cake and will very happily (and intensely) watch Luna eating a slice (or however many she cares to eat). If there's any mention of Peter getting a piece, the demon will insist his Vessel isn't meant to feast from this special cake.... (sorry Peter, he recognises your importance more these days but some things still aren't For You). However, after Dessert Time, Paimon will give Peter back to Luna much earlier than he usually might — not even asking for the usual story read to him tonight. This is also a gift from him to his Witch, and it means more opportunity for Birthday Snugglings and Makeouts, which Peter will be all too happy to indulge in if she likes.... )
... I think the sooner I get this all sorted out, the better I'll feel really. Come whenever you're available. [ She'll send Usagi some directions from the nearest lamp location to her home in Gaze; there's no number on her house, but it's marked with a pale blue door that should be relatively easy to find. ]
I can understand wanting to stand by the people we care about, even when it's very difficult. I can't really fault you nor be upset at you for it, Usagi.
[ She's quite as she listens to Usagi explain, her brow furrowed deeply. This is... perhaps not entirely unheard of. But it is a lot. Maul splitting off into the different facets of himself? It makes her wonder if this was accidental, or intentional. But Maul's gloating does make her suspect it was the latter. ]
Breaking yourself apart like that sounds like Dark magic, to me. Not natural. It's possible he found something from Trench itself that would... well, it sounds like he cheated his way out of the curse. [ Oh, she's not happy with that at all. ] I'm sorry you had to deal with him like that, and even kill a version of him like that.
[ That couldn't have been easy for her. ]
Varian and I are... complicated. But it's... no one should be betrayed by their friends like this.
I can understand wanting to stand by the people we care about, even when it's very difficult. I can't really fault you nor be upset at you for it, Usagi.
[ She's quite as she listens to Usagi explain, her brow furrowed deeply. This is... perhaps not entirely unheard of. But it is a lot. Maul splitting off into the different facets of himself? It makes her wonder if this was accidental, or intentional. But Maul's gloating does make her suspect it was the latter. ]
Breaking yourself apart like that sounds like Dark magic, to me. Not natural. It's possible he found something from Trench itself that would... well, it sounds like he cheated his way out of the curse. [ Oh, she's not happy with that at all. ] I'm sorry you had to deal with him like that, and even kill a version of him like that.
[ That couldn't have been easy for her. ]
Varian and I are... complicated. But it's... no one should be betrayed by their friends like this.
( He's watching her take that sip very acutely, honed in with that usual Paimon Focus, not missing a beat. When she startles away from it, his eyes widen and he's leeeeeeeaning closer, very much exuding "O_O" energy. But she's swallowing it....... and he relaxes a little bit, moving to slowly creep up onto the sofa beside her again, sitting down. )
I did not count, but rather felt what was right. I would not place restrictions on it.... not for your tastes.
( Which is perhaps the most horrifying answer he could give, despite the fact he thinks it's the best one. He's sitting up attentively, hands folded politely into his lap again. Then he's watching Luna use magic to stir the tea, transfixed by that for a long moment, dark eyes slowly following the motions of her finger, around and around. )
I am pleased it has your favour, ( he hums, eyes sparkling. He.... fully thinks Luna approves of this special tea. He's very proud.... but he's soon enough sobering again at the question. He knows this will be a subject his witch will meet with concern, and he tries to approach it as safely as possible. )
Before I tell you, know that there is no danger. I have protected my vessel for you; he is unharmed. In fact, he does not know this happened.
....Maul approached us. With the... stone. The stone that communicates. ( ...The Omni. ) He wanted to speak with both of us, but I made my vessel go to sleep. I did not think he would be able to... handle it. So I spoke to Maul myself.
He told me that he had been made aware he was cruel to my vessel, in the ways his master was once cruel to him. He told me that he now wishes to extend his protection to my vessel instead of target him.
( As the demon speaks, he places a palm against his own chest, as though in gesture of Peter. He can feel him, sleeping, very much at peace the way he always is when he falls asleep beside Luna. )
What do you think of it, witch...?
I did not count, but rather felt what was right. I would not place restrictions on it.... not for your tastes.
( Which is perhaps the most horrifying answer he could give, despite the fact he thinks it's the best one. He's sitting up attentively, hands folded politely into his lap again. Then he's watching Luna use magic to stir the tea, transfixed by that for a long moment, dark eyes slowly following the motions of her finger, around and around. )
I am pleased it has your favour, ( he hums, eyes sparkling. He.... fully thinks Luna approves of this special tea. He's very proud.... but he's soon enough sobering again at the question. He knows this will be a subject his witch will meet with concern, and he tries to approach it as safely as possible. )
Before I tell you, know that there is no danger. I have protected my vessel for you; he is unharmed. In fact, he does not know this happened.
....Maul approached us. With the... stone. The stone that communicates. ( ...The Omni. ) He wanted to speak with both of us, but I made my vessel go to sleep. I did not think he would be able to... handle it. So I spoke to Maul myself.
He told me that he had been made aware he was cruel to my vessel, in the ways his master was once cruel to him. He told me that he now wishes to extend his protection to my vessel instead of target him.
( As the demon speaks, he places a palm against his own chest, as though in gesture of Peter. He can feel him, sleeping, very much at peace the way he always is when he falls asleep beside Luna. )
What do you think of it, witch...?
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