down by the seaside

[umberly]

Who: Kavi Misra and you!
When: Before the 8th, while the clue hunt is still on.
Where: Capablanca
What: The beaches are lovely. The beaches may also hide a clue as to what Noir is planning next. It is time to investigate.
Rating: Gen with minor cursing?



[ Capablanca may be a city of two faces with people as quirky as they are superficial, with hidden underground operations and bright spectacles during the daytime but one thing but there is one piece of absolute beauty to it: The beaches. With white, lovely sand and inviting looking waves splashing against the shore, there is nothing Kavi does not like about it. Despite the Spring slowly arriving back in Caissa, the temperatures are still on the lower side of the scale but Capablanca?

Compared to Caissa, it might as well be Summer.

Unfortunately, while Summer usually means vacations and time off, there is no such thing as a break for Heroes and it’s why Kavi is actually at the beach.

Rumor has it that mermaids have been spotted surfacing at this particular area of the beach. It has to be easy to hide behind rocks or among the nearby cliff area and perhaps, with enough patience and gentle coaxing, they’ll tell him if they’ve seen anything or anyone suspicious hanging around. ]

a

[ Time to go mermaid hunting! Not literally though since they likely wouldn’t appreciate that in the slightest. It would seem this mermaid in particular is a very shy one and Kavi has been trying to get closer to her but to no avail.

How fortunate that someone else has appeared at the beach and Kavi is quick to jog over to them. How can you possibly say no to that winsome smile and the slightly desperate look in his eyes? ]

You wouldn’t happen to be great with shy mermaids, would you?

b

[ After the mermaid has been convinced that, yes, no one is going to strip her of her scales and sell them to the mafia later, she reluctantly mentions seeing two people talk in the middle of the night. Not unusual, considering what showed up on the Carrier feed very recently. 

What happens to be unusual is the fact that they were talking with Noir accents. And that they apparently buried something.

You know what that means, right?

Work. Tedious, long winded and exhausting work. The beach is rather big after all and why Aurnla the mermaid was willing to narrow the area down for them, it’s not exactly a walk in the park. ]

Have you found anything other than seashells or a random assortment of trash yet?

[ He is taking this job seriously so there is no ounce of complaint in his voice but you know what would be great right now? A cold drink and some shade. ]



(Clue info is here.)

Comments

[umberly]

...I'm sure the mermaid can be patient for a little while longer while I make sure my friend's alright.

[ Though Kavi's tone is cheery and light, he is giving Wukong a careful once-over and he wraps both arms around Wukong's shoulders to stop him from getting up. He understands what it feels like to have what was as easy as breathing get taken from him. In fact, most of the Heroes who arrive probably do.

It doesn't mean that the loss hurts any less or is any easier to accept.

As such, there is no pity in Kavi's eyes, nothing that would lessen Wukong's worth or belittle his frustration and pain. Only understanding.

There is no rush to back get up. If need be, they can both sit here like this until Wukong feels better. ]

It's disheartening to not be able to use what you could back home, yeah? I get that. And it's nothing to be ashamed of. So don't get all droopy on me and tell me to let you flop into the sand while I talk to a mermaid.

[ Because the thought alone makes Kavi feel rather bemused. ]

...Are you in pain? I can't make it all go away but I may be able to ease some of it.

[topkong]

[ And for that, he's thankful, but Wukong would be remiss if he didn't consider the possibility of limited time being spent with a mermaid. Especially when Kavi asked for his help! The arm wrap keeps him from moving any further, and he's thankful for that too. ]

She's cute though, so you better not lose this chance. [ He snickers, but even that hurts. A sigh, before finally admitting: ]

Every muscle feels like I've been training non-stop for a month straight. [ It's hard for him to completely relax, but he forces himself to, going limp. ] So... yeah, it's painful. Whatever you can do would be helpful. [ Though he'd never think about being honest to anyone but Kavi. If it were anyone else, he'd try to play it off and then collapse somewhere quietly with some of his ego intact.

Rolling into Kavi while still on his side, he bites his tongue to keep himself from letting out a whimper. Now THAT was a sound he wasn't going to allow himself to make! If Kavi called him a kid here, he'd laugh and the last thing he needs is another reminder that he exerted himself too much.

But it's okay if it's for a friend.

Out the corner of his eye, he can see the fish-lady curiously watching them. If she caught this entire thing and saw Kavi's kindness, then... it might work out better than the gifts. ]

[umberly]

Yeah, well, I've got my hands full of adorable monkey. Her and her mermaid cuteness have to wait their turn.

[ Hah... Wukong seems too old to get scolded but then again, Kavi learned a long time ago that you're technically never too old to get scolded. Especially for being reckless and brash while also trying to be helpful.

He gets that.

Shifting his grip, Kavi pulls an arm away from Wukong but keeps the other wrapped around his back to keep Wukong from flopping down completely, especially now that the other is relaxing. The body tension is there but he's still heavier than he was before and Kavi will openly admit that he could have trained more those last few weeks.

What Wukong described, however? It sounds hideously painful. An entire day's worth of training and practise is enough to leave a person's muscles screaming and usually, muscle cramps follow. Which are entirely different level of discomfort.

Wukong's pained face isn't something Kavi would prefer not to see. Not because he thinks it's hideous but because he'd rather not see Wukong get hurt, period. His eyes roam over Wukong's form, the painful twist to his mouth and the exhausted glint in his eyes. A frown flits over Kavi's face before he closes his eyes so he can focus.

It doesn't take much focus to call forth the mana for this particular spell, his training has paid off and there is nothing around which might break his concentration. A soft, white glow gathers around his fingers before he touches them to Wukong's shoulders and wills the energy to Soothe. ]

[topkong]

Ah... hm... adorable? [ A muted snicker. ] But I'm manly as heck, Kavi...

[ Ugh, Kavi... making Wukong laugh! His chest aches already, so with the few chuckles comes the need to keep himself from gritting his teeth to show his pain and to keep his tail from going stiff with tension. The adorable monkey, waiting for some sort of reprieve from the rolling, aching waves that dig into his core a little more every time.

He can feel the mana around Kavi. He can see that glow, see how it emanates and flows around and Wukong is... surprised? Maybe he just hasn't looked at it like this before (and was unable to), but it's awe-inspiring. The way it lingers as the spell accumulates energy, and then Kavi's fingertips on his shoulders...

It feels better than Wukong could expect. Granted, he's been on the receiving end of healing spells and arts before, but nothing like this. Perhaps his added attenuation to mana has caught up to him. A warm blanket that embeds itself on his weary body, the tingling sensation numbing but soothing.

Overall, it'll be enough for him to move around and recuperate properly, though he's more than content to lie here a while longer with a gentle smile up at the one who cured him. The earlier look of pain is gone, replaced by gratefulness. ]

[umberly]

[ Kavi feeds mana into the spell for a little while longer before he leaves it to taper off, to slowly disappear back into nothing. Perhaps some would call this a waste of mana, Wukong had simply strained his muscles but he was in pain.

And one of the reasons why Kavi chose to learn how to heal back home was so he could mend the hurt and see the pained expression be replaced by something relaxed and happy and blissful. To see the quiet awe at not having to be in pain anymore.

A slow exhale later, Kavi opens his eyes to see that expression on Wukong's face and he returns the smile with a crooked grin. Honestly, Wukong is one of the nicest people he has encountered in this place, and possibly the most upfront. His honesty is something Kavi can truly appreciate and Wukong helped him look for something nice and shiny to use as a gift even though he wasn't promised a reward. So yes, Kavi doesn't mind letting Wukong rest a little while longer like this, there is no harm in it and they have all the time in the world. He's earned it.

The hang on Wukong's shoulder stays in place, too, as if to not shatter the moment, as if stalling the future. ]

...Being manly doesn't mean you can't also be adorable. Not everyone can pull off both at the same time but here you are.

[topkong]

[ Maybe if this was a different time, Wukong would have left as soon as he felt better. Why stay longer than needed? There were opportunities to train, city-states to visit, and spectators to amaze. His body could easily mend itself, even without the assistance of another person's magic. Not that he was unappreciative of the efforts of others, but he simply didn't need to care.

But the best part about coming somewhere new, meeting new people, and not being the same monkey that he was in a familiar place is that he can be himself. Not a guarded personality or respected champion--- just a Hero of a different kind. And what Wukong also knows, is that he likes Kavi's smile. Confident, cocky, and caring: traits Wukong could easily get behind. It's hard for him not to mirror that same expression, then deepen it.

He's been given compliments before, but from Kavi... can his blush be seen through his fur? Maybe. ]

I'll take your word for it... you wouldn't lie to me, right? [ A nervous chuckle, one free of pain. ]

[umberly]

[ There are bits and pieces of blush seeping through the fur and seeing it blossom all over Wukong's face makes Kavi bite the inside of his cheek to keep himself from chuckling. He wouldn't want to insult Wukong's pride after he's already shown Kavi his soft side, despite the sight being truly cute. He likes Wukong and his helpful nature, the strength thrumming through his veins and a brightness that is like the sun's.

Instead, Kavi ruffles Wukong's hair (Fur? Headfur?) affectionately, only dimly aware that Wukong is allowing himself to do something he would not have done back home. Kavi only knows that Wukong is a prideful person, someone who was not treated the way he should have been and has built layers of layers of self-preservation and protection. Who probably hasn't heard many compliments in his life before and Kavi quietly vows to make comments like the one from before more often.

And the nervous, almost innocent question makes Kavi's heart melt a little. How could he possibly say he'd lie to Wukong or that he's been pulling his leg? It couldn't be further from the truth.

So he huffs out a laugh and shakes his head. ]

I wouldn't do that, yeah? Not about something like that.

[topkong]

[ He tucks his head against his chin as the ruffle passes him by, headfur soft but not plush--- though he is a monkey, his grooming is as human as it can be. Time spent in civilization taught him one thing: one can never be clean enough. It's even easier considering how nice their accommodations have been.

It's not enough though, to keep one patch from sticking up slightly--- bed head, without the bed.

Kavi's words make him smile halfway, a twinkle in his eye. ]

No. You wouldn't. Lies are saved for the biggest emergencies, right?

[ Wukong understands the power of honesty and deception. He's a 'trickster'--- at least that's what he's been called a few times already. He rather stick to honesty, but at the worst and necessary of times, it has to be done. Sometimes. ]

... I think I'm able to move again. Better to do it slowly, though.

[ He doesn't want to ruin a good thing, the first time he's ever had contact like this before. But his first action is to get his hands around Kavi's waist, to his back... for support. Only for support. Though, he may try to sneak in a small squeeze. An awkward hug, though he wouldn't admit it openly. ]

[umberly]

Mhm.

[ They are on the same page then. On some days, lies come as easy as breathing, using false but sweet words to spin things just the way he wants them to. Every good lie sprouts from a seed of truth but it's how you groom and tend to it that makes it solid and tangible. Good enough to believe.

But like Wukong, Kavi prefers honesty. It's easier this way and getting tangled in a web of lies which steals away your breath and makes it difficult to see isn't Kavi's idea of a good time.

Instead, it's moments like this one he prefers. A quiet moment of shared camaraderie.

Unfortunately, even the most comfortable moments must end though Kavi is quite delighted and surprised by the brief and awkward hug. He gives Wukong's shoulders an affectionate squeeze, closing his eyes as he lets out a barely audible laugh. It's warm... Truly, Wukong is a warm and precious person.

Finally, Kavi stands slowly, offering Wukong a hand to haul him up. And a shoulder to lean on, if he needs it. ]

Come on. Up and at them, yeah?

[topkong]

[ It's hard for him to not look a little disappointed as he takes the hand, though his smile is still as serene as it was when he was lying down. The regret can probably seen in the corner of his eyes, his lips, and in the way his grip isn't as tight as it could be. Telltale signs of not wanting to do the right thing and do the selfish thing... whatever it ended up being. ]

Yeah, I guess. [ The monkey scuffles as he gets to his feet, brushing sand off of his uniform. His eyes once again return to the mermaid, who looks apologetic, like she was breaking something up. ]

Hopefully you didn't lose any valuables. Then again, I suppose there's not much sand for them to hide in around here.

[ He didn't blow ALL of it away, but there's definitely a clear difference between the area he affected and the area he didn't. Wukong's still proud of his handiwork, even after the lessened consequences. Stretching up and out, he sighs. All that's left of his earlier pain is the slightest tingling of muscle burn. Nothing else.

Well, other than a friendly and growing fondness for Kavi. ]

I figure, once you're done doing what you're doing around here... well, maybe when we're back in Caissa, after whatever happens? I wouldn't mind hanging out for a while. Sound good?

[umberly]

Don't worry about it, yeah? I keep everything of value in my pockets and even that is nothing that can't be replaced. [ Or taken from Zelos' pile of various trinkets and treasures. It's like living with a magpie sometimes. ] Plus, the things needed for the necklace are still over there somewhere. And those wouldn't be here without your help. So... thank you.

[ A quick glance confirms that the items are, in fact, still where Kavi dropped them when he saw Wukong collapse. He's glad for Wukong's help and is clearly appreciative (and quietly marveling at what Wukong was able to do) of it but he's worried that Wukong overdid it for the sake of wanting to be helpful or wanting to be of use. Perhaps, unconsciously, Wukong still feels the need to prove his worth even to someone who does not consider Wukong to be less than he is. And didn't consider the consequences as a result, especially in a strange new world which works with an entirely different set of rules.

Still...

Kavi's eyes dart back to Wukong, follows the way he brushes the sand from his clothes. There is a spot he missed near his collar so Kavi reaches out and helps Wukong clean up. Perhaps he shouldn't, he doesn't want Wukong to feel babied because that's not Kavi's intention, but he'd like to return the favor. Wukong out-did himself when he helped after all.

The question gets Wukong a quiet laugh and a nod. Fondness blooms in Kavi's chest and he meets Wukong's eyes, his own crinkling slightly at the corners and his hands make no effort to hide the cheeky grin. ]

Sounds good. You keep an eye out for yourself until then, yeah? I might not be there to heal you the next time you collapse.

[topkong]

[ Good! Good. He allows Kavi to get that last few specks of sand off near his neck. If he considered what Kavi did as being babied, he wouldn't have allowed it. After all, he's a friend, just looking out for him. It's something small. Pride disappears when personal defenses are lowered. After all, Kavi's seen Wukong at his worst, disbelieving and paranoid of the future. Sand is sand. Kavi is Kavi. It's a meaningful gesture. There's no immediate worry. ]

Of course. I'll save the collapsing when you're nearby. Besides, you took care of me so well... hard to imagine anyone doing any better.

[ Catching Kavi's gaze, he has a sudden want to reach out and give him another hug. A tighter one. Maybe... never let go? Nah. They both have something to do. ]

You better be careful, too.

[umberly]

Aren't you just full of compliments today?

[ Amusement flickers in Kavi's eyes as he meets Wukong's gaze, the corners of his mouth soft with affection. Was Wukong this much of a smooth talker back home, too? He sure has a way of making people feel appreciated and it's his honesty in this that makes the friendly words worth more.

Kavi wants to give Wukong another hair ruffle but he resists the temptation by tucking his hands into his pockets and keeping them very firmly to himself. Wukong should rest some more, just to make sure his body won't give out on him and prolonging the inevitable is useless.

Even if... ]

I'm always careful, Wukong. I never do anything reckless. [ Lies and slander. Kavi winks at Wukong before turning around and jogging over to the fallen trinkets he picked up, raising a hand in a lazy wave.

They will talk later. ]