audience: shess

[cyclists]

Comments

[nonbelligerent]

[could you stOP

mikazuki may not be flirting, but it sure does sound like it sometimes.]

That may be for the best.

[though it might also be too late, because still, a memory passes through.

It's not a nice scene. It hurts, but surpassing that is his grief, fear, and resentment—and amidst it all, the woman speaks.

"It's because of you, Shess. Before you were born, everything was normal. I was powerful and on good terms with my second-in-command.

But you ruined everything! You have to take responsibility!"

Shess doesn't answer, his terror paralyzing him. All he can do is make noises, choked up. "Nngh... ah..."

The memory ends.]

[cyclists]

[does shess think it's flirting -

but it's not like mikazuki can ask or continue, because he pauses at the memory, eyes gently widening at the scene.]

... I will hope that you did not believe her.

[nonbelligerent]

[he's pretty sure mikazuki is too dumb for flirting.

anyhow, wow, he'd rather mikazuki not have seen, but the feeling is likely mutual for the latter's own memory, so he'll deal.]

At this point... what I did or didn't believe back then is probably irrelevant.

[cyclists]

... is it?

[gently questioning, like he doesn't quite believe shess but. regardless he'll just huff out a soft breath]

I cannot say that I agree that one's existence ought to ever be condemned as a mistake.

Least of all yours.

[nonbelligerent]

... Careful, Mikazuki. I might start getting an inflated ego.

[cyclists]

[ah - that gets him to relax again and offer up a smile, a bit more sincere even if it doesn't lack a bit of sharpness at the edge]

Oh?

Perhaps it is about time then.

[nonbelligerent]

I don't think anyone besides you would want that.

[...]

You know the sentiment is always mutual, right?

[cyclists]

Oh? I can't imagine why not. Hearing a bit of ego coming from you sounds like it would be great fun.

[SHESS OF ALL PEOPLE HAS EARNED IT

but]

... which sentiment, I wonder? You needn't worry over myself - I am always very aware of the necessity of my existence.

[the statement manages to be very vague and very solid at the same time]

[nonbelligerent]

You have odd ideas of fun.

[this is not a new observation, admittedly.]

... I don't doubt that you are.

[cyclists]

I suppose I would simply like to see you claim some part of what you have earned.

[which is EGO and BEING SPOILED]

... should I say that I am sorry that you had to see me in such a state?

[like

having emotions and everything]

[nonbelligerent]

I'm quite arrogant in certain ways, trust me.

[mikazuki you are literally the only person who thinks that]

No. That's nothing you should ever have to apologize for.

[cyclists]

Oh? Will you show me more?

[WHY DOESN'T HE GET TO SEE ARROGANT SHESS

though at that, there's just another smile - though this one seems a bit less sincerely amused]

... No, I suppose not. That is what I would tell anyone.

[but he just disagrees with himself it's fine]

[nonbelligerent]

It's not something I can just do on command...

[BECAUSE IT'S NEVER COME UP]

Then perhaps you should start listening to yourself. Your advice is sound when it isn't coming from human books.

[cyclists]

[guess he'll just WAIT until he can se arrogant shess - but that does actually make him laugh]

I am rather fond of my human books.

[THEY'RE ALL GIFTS!!! but regardless, he shakes his head]

Very well then. Then I shall only apologize for you to learn more about me [pretty intimately, giving the fact that lune doesnt say shit about himself] when you did not ask.

Normally I possess control of when I share my memories with others... how curious.

[nonbelligerent]

[it's never going to happen because mikazuki keeps flattering him so he never needs to be cocky?]

Then I'll apologize for learning something you didn't mean to share.

[he tilts his head.]

Are things getting more unstable? You did mention change being on the horizon.

[cyclists]

I will have to inquire with the young one... If people suddenly find their powers suppressed simply by touching him, I suppose we will find out.

Even so, I should not be able to see one of yours...

[weird.]

I will let you know if I am able to discern an answer.

As is, I suppose we have simply learned more about one another.

[nonbelligerent]

I did learn your true name, which was nice.

[cyclists]

I do quite like hearing it from you.

[and he means that sincerely, unfortunately]

'Mikazuki' means 'crescent moon' - so I hope to do well with the sliver of light I may provide to others.

[nonbelligerent]

It's fitting for you.

At the very least, talking with you is always a highlight of my week.

[cyclists]

[oh.

that's a little surprising and manages to get mikazuki to pause, eyebrows raising ever so slightly as if he didn't anticipate hearing that at all. it's a rather sweet sentiment, and one that he thinks that he will treasure for some time.

but what comes out of his mouth instead is - ]

Oh my.

Are you an ikemen as well, Shess?

[nonbelligerent]

Am I a... what?

[unsaid]

A beautiful person who can spare wonderful compliments and sweet words without hesitation. Even my heart was moved a bit by your kindness.

[jan wanted this tag and i hope she regrets it now]

[nonbelligerent]

[i do

also um.]

... No, I don't think I'm that.

[unsaid]

No?

I thought you fit the definition quite well just now....

[nonbelligerent]

[i missed the notif for this in the world's attempt to spare me]

You probably fit it better.