pawnstorm | [Open] It's getting hot in here

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[Open] It's getting hot in here

Who: Caren and anyone visiting the hot springs!
When: Post dungeon, could be right after fail/success, could be days after
Where: Hot Springs of course
What: There's a hot springs, so now there's a hot springs episode.
Rating: Could be a p-13 and beyond because some people are only wearing towels in this place.

[Win or fail, everyone needed a reason and a way to relax. With the fall of the towers, there was all sorts of good things to come from it. Some would say it was the birds; and others would say it was the hot springs.

The large, large pools of heated water. Sure, they could be used as a way to get all steamed up (or even steam punk) but after all that hard work, everyone deserves a break!

Bring your swimsuits, your towels, your drinks and snacks-who knows, you should be able to find them in the bazaars, or even on Airy. It's time to soak in the heat!]

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Even if your master has many servants, you should be concerned about their well-being! I'm sure they're worried about you!

[Who wouldn't be worried, though...]

[He looks at him then away as he smiles gently.]

Do you know what swords are created for?

To fight and protect.

[Shouldn't that be clear...he's not sure what Jirou is getting at.]

And what happens to a sword when it's not needed anymore?

Oh.

[Gilbert inhales some air and sighs, finally realizing the point of those questions. Although it's not easy to do this to someone as big as Jirou, he gives him a poke on the forehead.]

Who told you that you're not needed anymore, you idiot...

[He actually blinks in surprise. Lifting a hand, he touches his head.]

...Well no one but I'm not really easy to use. I've really spent so many years on display in a shrine.

Those times are over, though. For now, at least...

[One way or another, Gilbert understands the sentiment a little.]

You sure are a handful, that's right. Your master must have had a hard time with you...

[At the end of that sentence, he just bursts out laughing.]

I'm sure they miss you.

[He watches him, resting his head on his arms. Gilbert is such a delight. He really is.]

Would you miss me?

[He sure takes his time with giving Jiroutachi an answer. Aware of the fact that it might not be satisfactory, Gilbert just chuckles.]

Who knows...

[There's one person who sure does know, though.]

[He watches him for a time then smiles to himself. He's not sure why but it means a lot to him that Gilbert would miss him. Whether he'll say it or not, swords really do want to be wanted. It's why he enjoys being a museum piece in a shrine...well, enjoyed.]

Have I ever told you where I was before the saniwa collected me and I was given this form?

You barely told me anything about yourself.

[Not that he's any better, but still.]

So...where?

I was on display in a shrine that also served as a museum. After my master was killed there really weren't many who could hope to wield me. So aniki and I were placed in different places to be presented to the world.

[He shifts so he can rest his head on his arms, smiling at the memories.]

Aniki...it means big brother. But Tarou-chan and I aren't actually brothers because we were forged by different people. Still, I cherish him and I did miss him when I was in the shrine without him. Just sitting there behind a case without purpose other than to be looked upon.

[He sighs.]

I'm holy because I'm so long. But swords are meant to be used...

[Grateful for the explanations, Gilbert keeps listening to Jirou's story carefully. He may have a few questions, but at the same time, he doesn't want to interrupt him. When his story comes to an end though, Gilbert forgets about all those questions and fixes his gaze on him.

It's...he can't even find proper words. Any words, actually. Jirou was pretty serious back there, and that's something he gets to observe rather rarely.]

Sometimes I wonder what are we supposed to do without our masters...

[We...

Are him and Jirou really that different? Taking the whole sword thing aside, of course. Maybe he was wrong about him all along?]

Is there a chance...that someday someone will be able to wield you again?

I doubt it. Right now I essentially wield myself but I don't see anyone ever being allowed to try. I am a piece to be admired anymore.

[It's not his purpose in life but it's why he's more likely to just accept things. Because he doesn't really have too much of a choice in that honestly.

Yet it's clear that he just longs to be wanted and to be used. It's the reason he was created in the first place after all.]

I'm...sorry.

[Murmuring under his breath, Gilbert looks away briefly, trying to collect his thoughts. He really didn't expect Jirou's story to be like that. On the other hand, what did he expect?

Feeling bad for underestimating, the least he can do now is...

After a short struggle, he swims closer to Jirou and pats him on the head.]

I had no idea...I feel like an idiot now.

[He blinks at the head pats and looks over at Gilbert. For a change there's no silliness. It's just a pretty face that is open to Gilbert.

Because he...likes that. It feels nice.]

You didn't know, Gi-chan. That doesn't make you an idiot.

Maybe...it doesn't matter.

[Apart from these pats, he offers Jirou a smile.]

I think I may know what you feel...I mean, a servant without a master, it's the worst possible situation. But it doesn't mean you're useless or worthless. But it does mean you're feeling lonely from time to time. I-In case that happens, you know... [Looking a bit nervous now, he swallows.] You can come and bother me.

[It's not like Jirou ever asked for a permission, but...

That aside, Gilbert knows that the wording might have been a bit better, but he's not sure himself how to put it.]

Ah that means you can come bother me too, Gi-chan. If it's lonely for me then that means it must be for you too. Besides that, I just like your company.

[He laughs a bit then rests his head on his arms.]

You make me feel warm. I like it.

Understood.

[His mind goes blank for a second, and then:]

It's the water...the water.

[It must be the water, there's no other explanation...!]

Is it?

[He sighs and closes his eyes. Does he look like he might sleep in the water? MAYBE.]

Mmmm...I wonder...

You wonder about what?

[It's a good thing that Gilbert is on alert, especially in situations like this one.]

Hey, if you want to sleep we better get out of here.

[He blinks lazily at him.]

Mmmm...I wanted to wash your back first.

It can wait...if anything, we can always come back here later.

[He's still in two minds whether letting Jirou wash his back is a good idea or not...especially now, when he's so drowsy.]

Come on.

[Hauling the other man out isn't something he can do easily, so he needs a little help.]

No fuuuuuun.

[He does let himself be hauled out though. Only to lean against Gilbert with a sigh.]

Gi-chan, let's cuddle!

Get used to it, I'm no fun.

[It's a miracle that he managed to get Jirou out of the hot spring, but he's beat.]

H-Here?! Are you kidding me or are you insane...

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sakeplz - 2016-09-06 05:55 (UTC) - Expand

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interchained - 2016-09-08 13:55 (UTC) - Expand

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