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"My, I see this is actually quite grand for its size."
The voice of a certain Onimaru Kazumi rang out amidst the pews, echoing in a way that seemed to have carried a little louder than he'd intended. For all his grace, it seemed the taller man wasn't completely immune to embarrassment as the older of the two had previously lauded in his own mind. Or perhaps it was more accurate to call it his consideration? Kazumi's consideration for others was one of the foremost qualities he admired in the man. A bridge that invited ease of interaction between the two despite some of his more audacious tendencies.
Audaciousness had long since been something he'd found himself needing to adjust to amongst the company he kept, but it was by no means something he found distasteful. Still, it was hard to deny a certain amount of it could be overwhelming to him at times, thus the careful balance was one he felt quite appreciative of in their dynamic. Something his most esteemed friends, Tokoha and Kumi had been sure to impress on him that he shouldn't mess up.
Even if their word hadn't been the gospel he lived by, the man, Enishi Satoru, really didn't want to mess up. Not anymore. And certainly not in befriending a man he so quickly found he enjoyed the company of. At the encouragement of the others, he'd been trying to branch out a bit more after the fall of Gyze. Seeing as they'd got on quite well the day of the celebration, It was a welcomed change of pace that they'd begun running into each other here and there in the following days. Kazumi often asked after his infant boss at first, and Satoru was happy to oblige that he was doing quite well in mastering the ability to walk. Soon after their conversations became much less pinpointed, discussing all manor of opinions on niche topics that Satoru didn't think he'd ever get much chance to voice at all for how often he just went with what everyone else was doing. The time spent on their exchanges lengthened, and Satoru found it surprisingly easy to transition their passing meet ups into a more intentional time spent with one another.
Which brought him to now.
Just as quickly as the racing thoughts in Satoru's mind hit their mark, the gentlemen in question adjusted to a more appropriate volume. He continued his evaluation without missing what couldn't have been more than a second of setback.
"Mmh, Impressive indeed. I've never actually been in a church before, but you like this sort of architecture right? Would you say this is standard, Enishi-san?"
In this case, Satoru currently found himself with company during his somewhat spontaneous outing that afternoon. His visits to the local church had become much less frequent as much of his free time was now occupied by his friends. Previously when he didn't know what to do with himself, it had been common to find his sinful feet leading him here, desperate that if he prayed for forgiveness enough the stake in his chest would ease up just enough that he could do what he needed to do. His friend from the hospital would surely be happy for him if she were to see him now, his scheduled visits to her grave were something he'd also lessened the frequency of, but by no means failed to adhere to when he did plan for it once a month. Still, In regards to his self serving interpretation of faith, regardless of having obtained so much he wouldn't dare acknowledge he deserved, Satoru couldn't completely abandon the habit that had been his only solace for the better part of his whole life.
It was when he was wavering outside the building that he'd run into his friend. Not knowing how to direct the conversation away from the building his attention had clearly been focused on, Satoru had been swept up into an impromptu visit to satiate Kazumi's ever burning curiousity.
"I understand It's fairly modest by European standards, but I'd consider it notable for what I'm familiar with in Japan."
Kazumi's lips quirked upwards at the characteristic diplomatic response. Little of what Satoru would offer him verbally was in extremes, but it was plain to see once one got to know him that his feelings themselves could certainly be described that way. Thus, picking out the emphasis in each of his sentences that betrayed his thoughts was one of the things Kazumi most fancied in conversing with him. That, and their mutual flair for the dramatic.
"I should appreciate having laid eyes on it then, if you'd praise it so highly. As expected for the Dark Zone branch."
They both combed their eyes over the surrounding structures that made up the inner sanctuary. Certainly there was a majesty to the delicate stonework that adorned the walls in alcoves leading from the entrance to the stage. The pews numbered in 10 rows divided by a carpet in red that reminded Satoru of blood running down the aisle as though its flow were endless. The scent of incense burning overpowered most of what he could discern, but he always caught himself wondering if in it's absence there would be something more familiar to assuage his sense of smell. Something more akin to copper or iron.
Despite it's modest size there had been no skimping on the costs to create an experience for those who patron the establishment. Most strikingly were the large stain glass windows cascading across the back wall as if touching all who wished it with God's light. A light not unlike that of what he'd bathed himself and his hopes in within the swirl of the stride gate. A light which could drive a man mad by his own admission.
In the center was the visage of a grand organ flanked by the heavenly glow. It was the one Satoru had based his own off of back at his reception room in the branch. However his was missing the imagery of Christ in his sacrifice, surrounded by the ornate embellishments of the altar. He relented that some things ought to not be touched by his own purposes.
"It wouldn't be too out of place in Unisan territory either."
Satoru thought fondly on his image of fighting his friend clad in the robes of the clergy, poised to reveal 3 critical triggers on her drive check as if it were statistically guaranteed. Though he supposed the actual members of the clergy might not appreciate their likeness being used as enthusiastically, let alone his own leanings towards those who dwell in the darkness. But that had been something of a point he was making to himself back when he still frequented. Not to mention the reality of Cray being real with it's own Gods and customs made it hard for him to feel there was anything particularly unjust about it.
"I suppose so, but something about it does remind me more of you. Is that why you were lingering outside?"
"Mmn."
Perhaps it was a bit unusual for two young men to be awkwardly standing in the doorway of a local church whispering amongst each other on a Thursday afternoon, as the priest seemed to grow tired of them existing in their own little world and prompted a greeting. He hadn't even noticed him there until he spoke.
"Young Satoru, it's been a while since your last visit. Are you not well?"
Satoru's head snapped up faster than the blood inside could contend with, and black spots danced in his vision as he tried not to let the shameful lack of awareness show on his face. He'd always made a point to keep his manners intact, especially to those who could face God with far less shame than he. Still, what could he say? Admitting the shallowness of his belief, or admitting that the comfort he found in this place of worship was more of an indulgence in his guilt than genuine fealty, such things were not options. At least not outside of the confession booth he'd yet to cross the threshold of himself.
Perhaps that was the biggest joke of all? A man so wrought by his own sins, yet unable to confess to them in any meaningful capacity. His friends had shown him compassion, but his true mistaken beliefs, would they be forgiven in the face of God? Did he want them to be?
"Oh, you patron here?"
His companion, ignorant to the depths of Satoru's dishonour, innocuously posed the question.
Still, he found the soft interjection had been what he needed to knock himself out of his stupor and gather his thoughts for what should have been a simple answer. There was truly something magical in how the lilt's of Kazumi's voice could affect Satoru so soothingly when the meaning of words often failed him. He supposed his friend simply had a talent for making people comfortable, he didn't really get why his younger brother often complained about being embarrassed by him whenever they found themselves in a group. Then again, Tokoha would occasionally mention such things about her own brother whom Satoru had known to be nothing but upstanding. So perhaps an only child like himself just wouldn't get it.
Nonetheless, he'd recomposed himself and addressed them both.
"Ah yes...I frequented for many years. I'm afraid I've been quite busy as of late however, I'm sorry father."
"No worries my child, the lord forgives all. And you've been quite diligent all this time. I'll leave you to your prayers now that I know you're all right."
Satoru bit his lip.
He'd known the old man a long time of course, never replaced in his growing age. A short half Japanese man of roughly 160cm by his estimate. Not an imposing bone in his body, but the reach of his figure was embellished by the biretta atop his short swath of black-gray hair. He'd always been quite kind to him, looking after Satoru wordlessly on his rougher days. Obliging a private sermon when he showed up at all hours of the night. He hadn't realized the priest would be worried after him. He'd never once been truthful with the agent of God about his motives, but as far as his personal obligations to the man as a friend went, Satoru decided that regardless it may be a kindness in itself to come back once in a while lest he shame himself further.
He nodded and the priest nodded back, knowingly, unknowingly. It was impossible to tell what extent he saw through him, but there was never any attempt on his part to pry after what Satoru wouldn't offer on his own.
"May I join you?"
A few beats of silence had past when Kazumi inquired. Right. It would be rude to neglect asking after his companion's preference on the matter.
"If you'd like to...? If you're... ok with that?"
Satoru gave him a questioning tilt of his head as he tried not to betray his attempts to hide his relief. As he feared, this seemed to worry Kazumi a bit, his face growing a light dusting of pink across it along with what Satoru considered an unreadable expression.
Despite his own hypocrisy, he didn't actually know of Kazumi's religious status or what kind of boundaries that may entail. Not everyone was as blasphemous as he. Perhaps he'd been a bit too eager in his agreement. Even if Kazumi himself had been the one asking to accompany him.
"Ah, I'm, well. My own families beliefs are complicated, but this is nothing so intense that I'd have to refrain from participating. I'm actually well studied in quite a few religions."
Kazumi's mentions of his family were always so mysterious, it was certainly enough to make him curious. But Kazumi had openly offered so much of his words freely for as long as he knew him, he wanted to respect that there were some things he shouldn't ask after unless his friend said he wished it so.
"Right, we're just going to pray. You could even pray to your own God if you wish."
"In the house of another?"
Blinking slowly, Satoru realized he didn't have much of an answer to that. He'd already felt he lied so much it was all he felt capable of to nod and begin walking to the rails in front of the stage. He didn't dare look at his companions face, but a small hum of sweet acknowledgement resounded out from behind him. The same one he'd grown quite familiar with as a reassurance over the course of their conversations. It seemed that Kazumi always got what he meant even if he couldn't explain it well, so Satoru decided he'd finally return it with a hum of his own as he came to a stop in his usual spot.
The vanguard of Dark Irregular's indulgent noble vampire, and the vanguard of Nubatama's disgraced Shinobi leader, knelt side by side before the altar of God, and closed their eyes.
A few minutes went by as Satoru wondered what Kazumi was praying for. For him he'd always placed his hopes in Myoujin Ryuzu, the man who for all he'd represented in his life may as well have been a divine messenger. The goals of the company were a sweet hymn perfectly aligned with his own salvation, if only it hadn't been the pathetic excuse to turn away from reality as he now recognized it to be. Now there wasn't much else but the continued health of his friends, peace for the soul of his deceased ward mate, and a wish for all the children who find happiness through vanguard to finally be able to enjoy that youth.
Which....while certainly not as grandiose as his previous endeavors, Satoru couldn't help but feel warm as he realized these modest wishes actually numbered in the many, and perhaps he dare even say he had a lot to live for now. One of which he'd like to count was even accompanying him for this moment of vulnerability. Opening his eyes, he slide them to his side intending to catch a peek, only to be thrown off guard by how Kazumi was staring after him so intently. He wore a rather disarming grin, not to wide yet not modest enough to be mistake as anything else. The surprise must have shown on his face, as Kazumi deigned to answer his unasked question.
"Ah, I was admiring it before, but up close these windows really do give such lovely lighting."
He supposed that made sense, but before he could drum up his agreement Kazumi continued.
"Do you think those back on cray would hear us if we do this?"
Surprisingly, that was something Satoru had never considered before. For all his pleas to the universe and whoever would hear him, never once had he sought to contact Cray directly before or after learning of its existence in truth. He'd never received a response either way, believing that the be natural for someone such as him, but the bonds between vanguard and unit were something else. A distinct pull he could identify every time he fought. Possibly the closet thing he could compare to how people spoke of their religious experiences in the passing conversations he'd had over the years was the feeling of being an astral body on cray, clad in the likeness of one's ideal self and future.
"I think I'd like it if that were the case...Onimaru-san"
Satoru wondered, what would that be like for Kazumi? He himself felt an indescribable kinship with his own vanguard, Scharhrot, but he couldn't really say he knew the vampire when they've yet to have a full conversation. Onimaru Kazumi had shared his body with his vanguard. While Satoru couldn't exactly say he liked the dragon from his own fight with the dragon, the way Kazumi spoke of him did help to shed some light on where he had been coming from at the time. Apparently upon their last conversation, Stealth Dragon Shiranui had chosen to find where he had gone astray and repent, which was something Satoru could relate to all too well. Still, it was amazing to Satoru that he'd been able to be so close to his vanguard like that, a part of him longed to someday receive an answer from his other half as well.
For all his silent wonder Satoru was rewarded with a satisfied smile, and Kazumi returned to a second round of prayers, no doubt in the form of something more akin to sending a letter to a loved one. For how tender he looked in that moment Satoru found himself smiling in turn, the first one that had graced his face since he entered the church that afternoon, and returned to his own prayers. He suddenly had a much better idea of how he wanted to spend his visits here in the future, no longer lost and scrambling for meaning or expectations of what he should do.
The two of them stayed like that for another while. The catharsis sinking deep in his bones.
Eventually, Kazumi let out a fond huff and got up, Satoru hesitating to follow in turn. He'd been right before, the ethereal glow did a lot to drape a figure as gallant as his companion's in feelings indescribable as it all but shined through his platinum locks not unlike that of a peacemaker. He'd never looked up at this sight from the ground with a person in view before, but it was mesmerizing both in how it terrified his newly adopted sensibilities and thrilled the part of him that still craved for a messenger to deliver him meaning. For what, he wasn't sure.
"Did you get an answer?"
Satoru shook himself from the reverie and processed the question.
"No...."
Kazumi chortled a bit at that. He would've assumed he'd said something embarrassing had it been anyone else.
"I didn't either. It's probably not so straightforward, but something tells me they know, even if they didn't hear."
"Because of the diffride...?"
"Hm. Maybe. I'd probably sooner call it intuition?"
It was an answer that allowed Satoru to hope it applied to him too. In fact he was welcome to let himself believe that Kazumi was right. He often was. The man was very knowledgeable about all sorts of things.
"By the way, is there a bathroom in this building? We've been here a while so I want to get it out of the way before we go."
The casual way his junior often spoke of himself and Satoru as a pair threatened to fluster him. He wasn't sure why, he'd gotten fairly used to it now that he'd properly made friends.
"Of course, I'll show you to it."
There was a brief flicker where he imagined leading the other by the hand as his team often did to him, but quickly it was abandoned in his realization that wouldn't be so appropriate between two people as formal as they were. Instead he took care to muster some confidence into his stride, unsure of how he looked on the outside. This whole of today had been been a cycle of tearing down and rebuilding his walls. It left him feeling a little bit like he was floating and struggling to get his normal footing, but he didn't want the other to assume it was his fault, so he did his best to straighten up and indicate Kazumi should follow.
It was a short walk to the side halls given the small size of the building. Well, Small relative to its wideness and not the towering stature of the spikes adorning it's roof, he amended. Being located in the denser part of the city meant if you wanted to impress or attract a following you should build up and not out. His own design philosophy had been much the same for the Dark Zone branch, and his boss quite generous in making those preferences a reality.
Satoru knew the young scion of the Onimaru clan to be quite light on his feet, rarely making a sound unless he wanted to be heard. More than once it had been enough to make him wonder if Kazumi himself was in fact a ninja not unlike the cards he played, but most people probably would've considered it a bit silly of a question to ask in this day in age. Satoru wasn't most people, certainly he'd put his foot in his mouth with questions that were probably much sillier by other's standards, given their reaction. It was truly enlightening how little he felt he knew about certain aspects of the world once he'd begun interacting with those more than a year younger than him. Most of his exposure to that before had been Hiroki, as he'd primarily associated with those older for work. But regardless, he feared it might err a bit on the side of the exact prying into Kazumi's family that he'd wanted to avoid.
Which was why he couldn't exactly say he was surprised when he turned around to confirm his companion was still following him as they both made their way well past the threshold, only to find he was in fact not.
If Satoru had only one complaint about his friend, it was that he had a penchant for appearing and disappearing in a way he felt wholly unequipped to match. His own presence seemed to surprise people occasionally, but that didn't mean he could easily track someone who didn't intend to be tracked. Not when they were that skilled at least.
Luckily the options for where the other man could be were mostly limited to a straightforward hallway. Losing track of him from behind was quickly remedied as he heard a distinct hum of contemplation come from a ways in front of him. Had he truly been so distracted he didn't notice Kazumi passing him by?
"Um...the bathroom is that way."
Currently his guest had both his hands examining a wall not directly adjacent to the entrance of their goal, all the while looking extremely proper, as if nothing strange was happening at all.
"Oh....right, sorry, something here just caught my eye, and I couldn't help myself."
That was curious. Satoru felt a little dumb for assuming he was struggling to recognize the door. He strode up to join him at his place by the wall, looking over his shoulder to where his hands were fiddling. He couldn't really see much of anything that could qualify for what caught the other's eye.
Then, a barely perceivable click resounded in the silence of the hallway. Sounds didn't echo off the walls the way they did in the main chapel, but he was sure what he heard was reminiscent of some sort of lock or switch. Sure enough, Kazumi traced the outline of a crack along where he'd previously been running his fingers, and then pushed. Suddenly Satoru found himself face to face with a large opening in the wall shrouded in darkness. He had to admit that the young lord was actually much better at finding doors than he was.
"It was well hidden for a place like this, impressive. Well then, shall we?"
Kazumi extended his hand in a gesture of invitation. From this close he could see the texture of the well worn skin worn by a set of fingers that spoke of a much more elegant shape. In his momentary distraction, he almost missed how peculiar it was that Kazumi had seemingly found the passageway out of nowhere and then also decided they were going to traverse down it out of nowhere.
It wasn't as though he was unused to tricks like this, having been privy to much of Myoujin Ryuzu's building schematics and the various passageways put into his own branch for the sake of more entertaining clan events, he was just surprised to see such a thing here of all places. The building itself hadn't even been that old compared to something you'd find overseas.
"What about the bathroom...?"
He replied in lieu of voicing his current confusion.
"It's not that urgent, I just wanted to go now since I wouldn't be home until late tonight."
"But...Should we?"
He gestured towards the stone staircase currently threatening to swallow their forms for how thick and cloying the absence of light had been.
"Well to be honest..."
Kazumi looked up at him sheepishly. It was an expression he'd never really seen on him when he'd always seemed so assured and everything Satoru wished he could be. Maybe had even been scared that he had been, once, when he'd been totally deluded and before he began having doubts.
"Obviously you don't hide a door like this if you don't want to keep it a secret, maybe the keepers here don't even know about it, but I am rather nosy."
The younger man punctuated his hushed admissions with a wink, and allowed the abyss to swallow him.
Satoru didn't really know what possessed him to follow without even mission a beat. In part it could be concern for his friend slipping and falling where he couldn't help him, but given his expert balance and obvious comfort in the situation, he doubted that was it. More pressingly was the strange sense of calling that grabbed at him as he stared after it. Perhaps he truly was meant to be a denizen of the darkness? At the least, he didn't have to be alone in that assessment. Clearly the both of them were in some capacity, beyond the brightness he so often offered him.
The door closed behind him. It hadn't even caught up to him to be concerned when Kazumi spoke out.
"I already memorized how to open that from this side, so you don't have to worry."
"Mhm."
He was struck again by how thoughtful he could be. It was hard not to be reassured by such capability, despite how he knew he should be panicking right now.
"Actually, this is a secret, but I think a part of me longs to be more of a rebel, since Kazuma's always telling me I can't because he doesn't want me to get in trouble."
The stairs were steep, and they descended slowly, Kazumi's casual voice completely at odds with the reality of fumbling about in the darkness. Satoru made sure to place his hand along the wall for guidance.
"You want to get in trouble?"
At that Kazumi seemed to try and fail to stifle a laugh. It was the most adorable thing Satoru had ever heard.
"That's not...Well maybe."
He couldn't see the man's face, but he was sure he was smiling.
"I know my limits though, and this sort of thing is technically right up my alley, so don't worry. I'll protect you Enishi-san"
He didn't know how to process that. Satoru had hinged his entire atonement off the idea that he would protect everyone close to him, discarding the idea that he'd failed to before. His first meeting with the person known as 'Onimaru Kazumi' had even been such a case where he sought vengeance on their behalf against him, in hopes of protecting their smiles. Of course, that hadn't really been his Onimaru-san, but an imposter who'd since come to regret his actions as he'd been told, but.... Well no one had ever said they'd protect him before. No one besides her.
His breath caught in his throat. A reminder of his own humanity. The fragility of humanity. What typically radiated from Onimaru Kazumi was nothing but unyielding strength, even now, but today he felt like he'd also seen a glimpse into the human being that wore the name as they prayed side by side.
Then he could see his face. Faintly. Looking back at him with concern.
"Oh my."
A sharp wetness made its presence known to Satoru's eyes. The tears did not fall, but even now it was hard to let himself think too strongly about her in relation to anyone he could still lose. He clenched his fists. The familiar smell of blood and pain filled his senses as if aiding him in feeling in control of himself for the first time today. He knew it was a bad habit, but he didn't know any other way to ground himself in that moment. It came so easily to him.
"Sorry, is my trouble making too much?"
With a frown, Kazumi gently took his clenched fist in his own hands, coaxing the muscles to relax with his body heat. If Satoru could hazard a guess, he'd say he almost seemed....self conscious?
"Not at all!"
Satoru's baritone voice sung out a tad more forceful than he typically willed it to.
"I simply...Please allow me to protect you too."
Yes. If he made the pledge to himself, there was no problem. This was his familiar territory, and there was no need to make Kazumi worry after him. They could protect each other. From what? Well, he wasn't sure in that moment, The air in the passageway was quite dry, but he couldn't really do anything about that. But one thing did stick out.
"Much obliged."
It seemed Kazumi's alarm had been successfully abated by his reassurance. Thankfully. Satoru really didn't want to ruin his fun. He liked watching the man have fun. He'd mentioned before that he didn't have a lot of time for that.
Tensions settling, both men then turned their attentions to the small outlier from their previous situation.
"Looks like something's here after all."
A faint glow that had been just enough to give the two a clear view of each other's visage ebbed towards them from the end of the staircase. As they approached in newfound fascination, Satoru couldn't help but recall the halo of light blanketing the main chapel. An amalgamation of blues, pinks, purples, and yellows, predominantly. It felt intimately familiar to him in more ways than just what he fantasized to be the light of the lord. The intensity of the light never quite reached the level of his most regretful memory, a blinding abyss of churning light opposite the darkness that had invited him in at the top of the staircase. Nonetheless it was here. Intensifying as the space between them and their mystery ceased with each step.
If the drop in his stomach was anything to go by once he had a full view of the room, he assumed his heart might've even ceased.
Satoru knew that light.
It was GIRS.
Why would it be in a place like this?
The only thing keeping him tethered to reality in that moment was the fact Kazumi had yet to let go of his hand the rest of the way down the stairs and was now further entwining their grasps.
Or maybe it had been Satoru who squeezed first. He couldn't tell.
"Are you alright?"
Satoru had no idea how anyone could so constantly care after him the way Kazumi naturally seemed to. It felt different from the fondness he felt from his friends, somehow. Most of their thoughtfulness came in the form of making sure he felt included, and scolding him for thinking little of himself. He loved them dearly for it, but this was...This was something. He steadied himself properly as the shock of what he was seeing wore off.
"Yes, yes. I just. Didn't expect to find this here."
"You know what it is?"
"It's GIRS, it's meant to gather stride force..."
"Hmmm."
Indeed the pang of dread may have been a bit premature on Satoru's part. He's not even sure what the issue was. He's already well aware of the Wrongs their company had been investing in all this time. So nothing here should really come as a surprise other than the fact he hadn't been aware of it. He didn't understand the equipment's presence in the church, but he had known his boss to be something of a religious man. At least, as it pertained to his own beliefs. Much the same as Satoru himself.
Christopher Lo had commandeered the GIRS system into something much more beneficial for everyone with help from Wakamizu-san, in fact, so the more surprising aspect of the situation was how dilapidated everything here looked. Function seemed to remain, but barely. Did that mean this was something not even their flagship scientist knew about? Or did he simply not care.
His companion seemed to be pondering after the answers as well, maybe he'd have a better guess.
"Why here?"
He didn't really know how to encompass all his thoughts into one question, so he kept it regretfully open ended. Thankfully Kazumi seemed to get the gist, having been involved with his colleagues at least once before out of necessity.
"The power of imagination that gets amplified by Vanguard's connection to Cray...I don't know much about this stuff myself, since I was focused on other things during the Gyze incident, but it does sound a little bit like the nature of faith...perhaps this was a trial run?"
Ah that made some sense. He did recall that Myoujin-san had conducted small scale experiments for years before any of their recruitment and expansion. It was part of the pitch that had convinced him to join in the first place. Surely a man so dedicated to his work had to be credible.
And credible he was. To speak nothing of the ethics, at the very least he'd been capable of achieving what he claimed with their help.
It just wasn't what anyone else wanted, apparently.
"You seem at ease all of a sudden, did something click?"
Ah. He was wasn't he. It was weird, reflecting on his complicity in these grandiose crimes ordinarily brought Satoru grief, but there was some sort of relief in the clarity that knowing after not knowing brought. It wasn't as though he could ask the man his motives anymore, but he felt like he understood something small about this. Something he couldn't exactly put words to. At best he could say it was like glimpsing into a hurting man's fledgling hope and deeply identifying with it?
This room seemed abandoned now, and now that he observed more closely the design of the machines weren't quite the same as he was used to seeing, yet unmistakable. In a way it was representative of a time before things passed their point of no return, and now the little flame of life had been reborn unstained by the cruelties of the world. In it's essence, stride force wasn't bad, simply the proof of the strength that lies in the bond between vanguards.
Satoru smiled to himself, Perhaps when Myoujin-san was a little older, he'd take him to visit the chapel, and they could reach out to their friends on cray together, just as Kazumi had urged him to.
"Thank you for leading me here, Onimaru-san. I fear I couldn't ever repay you for this"
He took Kazumi's other hand so they were facing each other, hand in hand. He wasn't really sure how to get across the depth of his gratitude the moment had brought, but something about the action had felt natural. His cheeks ached for how much he'd been grinning compared to normal, but he couldn't find it in himself to stop before their stance had already closed them off to the rest of the world.
"Oh? I certainly didn't expect to be thanked, but I don't think you need to worry. I can think of a few things I'd interested in."
Leaning into his space, Kazumi's breath, the proof of life coursing through his veins mingled with Satoru's own. He found himself staring dumbfoundedly after the almost metallic sheen of the pair of sharp golden eyes searching his own. Mischievous was a good look on him. Mischievous usually meant trouble, not trouble he couldn't handle, but still, something he'd have to brace himself for. Right now however, it was all he could do but be swallowed by the contrasting sense of anticipation making its way through his body from the toes up.
"If you'd like?"
Satoru nodded shyly, despite not really knowing what he meant. He wasn't worried. His friend had never lead him astray before, as this little impromptu adventure of theirs had just cemented for him should he have had any doubts before.
And oh. Yeah. This was nice.
He found himself with his lips being held in the press of another's. Softly, eagerly, and then as he accustomed to the feeling, a little forcefully. He didn't really know what he expected a kiss between them to feel like. Shinonome had called it messing around, and he figured that was more or less an accurate way to describe what they had done, more for curiosities sake than anything. He wasn't sure if he should try to replicate that as some sort of lesson. Taking anything from Shinonome to be a learning experience was something even Satoru considered to be a risk.
But right now the feeling of warmth between their faces was miles away from the impersonal experience he'd assumed the act of kissing to be until now. Before he knew it, Kazumi's fingers found their way to the back of his head, carding through the lopsided strands with a tenderness that left the nerves of his scalp begging for more. The conjoined hands that had at first beckoned them closer were now an obstacle, and Satoru pulled both of his up to gingerly clasp at his shoulder blades, unsure of what else to do while he focused all of his attention to the sensations.
A small moan dislodged itself from the back of his throat, and Satoru had half a mind to be a bit embarrassed if Kazumi hadn't returned his fervour with a noise of his own.
No one had ever wanted to kiss him like this.
He didn't know he'd ever wanted to be kissed like this.
Everything with Onimaru Kazumi was so Different. Different. Different.
The modest swirl of energy coming from the GIRS was yet to be snuffed out completely.
They didn't know how many years it'd lasted, how many years it'd continue to last, fueled by the hopes and dreams inside.
Their figures were cloaked generously in what was left of the persisting otherworldly light.
For the first time, a spotlight shining through the truth of his being didn't feel like it would reveal something ugly and detestable.
Being with his not-quite-a-friend was fun.