---Last time---
Rodessa: I don’t recall this part… but its nice. And your having fun.
Huxian: Mm, true enough. You were...ah...a little preoccupied at the time. It's nice to have the attention where it's due this time around.
*He nuzzled the top of her head, hoping that she would understand he meant it in all fondness rather than any true annoyance as he carried her towards the door that would lead to the cleansing pool.*
Huxian: Anyway, why would I not be having fun? You’re here.
Rodessa: *Smile* Will that type of fun be on the menu as well? ...Like last time?
Huxian: Whatever fun you like, love. Honestly, I don’t mind. I’ll be happy just by being with you, even if all we do is cuddle and fall asleep, though I certainly wouldn’t say no to more than that. It’s been over a year since I last saw you. Even if I knew you’d be back and stronger than ever...like I said, I missed you.
Rodessa: *Hum* I missed you too, my love. So, so much.
*Full of a kind of warmth that only came from being back with a dearly missed loved one, Huxian carried Rodessa into the cleansing pool room, settling her into the warm purifying waters before he clicked his fingers, vanishing his own clothing - he would rather them not become soaked - before he slipped in afterwards. An odd shiver ran through him as he ducked under the surface for a moment. It wasn’t of cold or nerves, but rather like shaking off dust. He’d forgotten just how stressed he had actually been in keeping Engetsu’s clan from devolving into civil war, that his whole body had seemed to store it to deal with later since lives were a bit more important. It was only now as the water began to wash his spirit and body that he recalled it, even as it slowly seeped away.
Emerging from the water once again, he pushed his silver tresses from his face, a slight glance at Rodessa from the corner of his eyes. While part of this was merely him getting soaked hair from his face, he admitted he may have been allowing Rodessa to at least get a look at his water-slick form. But along with the flirt, he was subtly gaging the young woman’s current mood as much as he could. After all, she had spent a long time training away from all their eyes, she had changed somewhat, he had seen it in her, not just physically but mentally as well. While he was curious to see how much of her core was the same Ro who had left, he mostly just wanted to be sure she hadn’t worked herself into some stressed state that he had missed, especially considering her initial ‘welcome’ from her father…*
Huxian: ...I’m going to admit, I missed this place. I wonder if Lady Parame would mind having one of these pools be a permanent fixture to both our rooms. Then again...if they were, we might never leave. Ah, the choices…
Rodessa: *Chuckle* …
Huxian: *Blinking* ...What? Why are you laughing
Rodessa: Well it’s… technically… hum~ dont you feel an attachment to this place? A sense of ownership?
Huxian: ...Huh?
*Pausing a moment, Huxian turned his attention to the pool once again and looked, not with eyes, but with is own power. It was difficult to put into words, stretching a non-physical sense around, like light and shadow skittering across a water’s surface that somehow his mind translated into something almost tangible. However, he could feel a little of what Rodessa was alluding to. It was similar to finding a favoured item of clothing or an attachment to a place or object. There was a hint of familiarity, a sense of ‘this is mine’. Not quite the same as his home mountain which he felt far greater amounts of ‘possession’ towards, but there was definitely an element of it there, just under the surface. It was quite clear to him now he knew to even look.*
Huxian: What the…? I didn’t realise we’d laid claim to any of the places here...I just thought it familiar when I first came in, but...when did we gain ownership?
Rodessa: *Chuckle* Afew eyon back, when the earth and this temple ware still young.
*The girl covered her mouth as she attempted to stifle a laugh, as she sat atop the pools edge cross legged.*
Rodessa?: Your hair was longer then, too.
Huxian: A few….wait…
*Huxian gave Rodessa another once over, before his eyes met hers, recalling one other time he had seen such a glint in her eyes*
Huxian: ...Rozyus?
Rozyus: *Hum* Yes my love? Would you like me to jog your memory? Just a little, you must be a little curious, right, my kitty?~
*So he was right. At least he could say he was getting the hang of the new (old?) aspect of Rodessa showing up, even if this was officially only the second time, though who was to say if he hadn’t spoken to Rozyus before and the fragment hadn’t just been a good actor?
Subtly, he took a breath, trying to see if there was any subtle shifts in her scent, though he couldn’t entirely be sure if the purification pool wasn’t affecting what he could smell. Something to keep a eye (nose?) on in the future, though. For now...she was speaking of ‘jogging his memory’.*
Huxian: I’d heard rumours that, in most cases of reincarnation, a soul is cleansed of everything that made it one person so that it would be pure and untainted. Once it’s gained a physical for, as a person once again, it will only then begin to be ‘coloured’ by that life’s experiences, not really affected by one’s past life. Would it even be possible for me to have a memory to jog from whoever I once was? Especially considering the centuries I’ve lived this life. I’ll admit, beyond possession and general sorcery, the mystery of the soul...it’s a little beyond me to truly understand all the nuances.
Rozyus: In normal circumstances yes, but we’re not what one cals normal now are we?
*Narrow Eyes* So I’ll ask again my love, would you like to see our past yes or no?
Huxian: I...I’ll...admit...I’m curious. Though...I’m told curiosity can kill a cat. Would satisfaction bring me back, should I indulge?
*There was an odd spart to her eyes, as if finding his remark familiar, or perhaps expected, even as she stretched out her hand elegantly. Ever one for manners, Huxian took the hand and brushed his lips over her knuckles, kissing the smooth skin*
Rozyus: *Tilt head and knowing smile* The choice is your, just say the word.
*For a moment, Huxian considered. It wasn’t every day that someone could see glimpses of who they used to be in a past life. From what he was gathering, Rozyus wasn’t going to be showing him everything, just why he felt the ‘belonging’ of this room. Not to mention that, considering his long life and fairly sense of self from that, a simple scene wouldn’t wipe away ‘Huxian’ in his mind. And a short scene wouldn’t develop another personality or something either, as far as he knew...at least, not when one was positive of who they were in their current life.
It was his own theory, of course, but...he had a feeling….
...And he was simply curious.*
Huxian [Inner Thought]: Here’s hoping this doesn’t end up like a kit burning its paw in a fire…
Huxian: Alright. I’d like to know why this room feels like it’s ours. Assuming my mind or soul isn’t too annoying to traverse for the memory, of course.
Rozyus: You’re overthinking this my love, here.
*Rozyus stretched out his hand, encouraging Huxian to come closer, he pullen Huxian forward, the sudden movement caused them both to fall back on the tiled edge of the pool.
Rozyus chuckled as he leaned forward, pecking at Huxian’s lips, running a finger along Huxian’s jaw*
Rozyus: Why don't you give me my ‘pay’ and I’ll get this train moving.
Huxian: *Slightly dazedly* Pay?
Rozyus: Yes, pay. Didn't I say that I charged for you to look at the exhibit? Same thing for memories my love. Considering we made a lot of memories in this room. And you did more than stair at the art.
Huxian [Inner Thought]: Had Rozyus been the one in control ever since Rodessa came back…? I know I missed a year or so, but...would I really not be able to know who was speaking at the time? Or...is it because Rozyus is a past version of Rodessa, thus a part of Rodessa, and is simply aware of what she said? Does Rozyus feel he and Rodessa are one entity or...is Rozyus right and I’m overthinking…?
Rozyus: *Pout* Of course I right dummy, I don't have to be psychic to know what your thinking either. *Flick* And how rude, I’ve only appeared now!!!! Huff!
*Flinching slightly at the flick to his forehead, he offered her a sheepish look*
Huxian: I apologize. This is still something of new territory for me after all. You’re the only ‘past life’ of anyone I’ve met after all. I don’t mean to offend. Still, I am a fox. Curious as we are, we are a little cautious about new things in case we get out paws and noses singed.
* Leaning forwards, he met Rozyus’ lips with his own for a moment, letting it linger a little before he pulled back far enough he could offer her sorrowful ‘puppy’ eyes*
Huxian: Forgive me?
Rozyus: *Flat Look*...you know I invented that look fluff, try again.
*Very tempted to turn into a small fox and give her the kit version, he decided against it for several reasons. Firstly wet fur was a pain to dry. Secondly, being in such a form might derail the purpose of their current conversation. Instead, he trailed a hand over Rozyus’ jaw to tilt it up a little before giving her (him?) another long and lingering kiss*
Huxian: Then, my soul is in your hands. Treat it well.
Rozyus: Better… More chicken change won't do, I’m afraid.
*The challenge merely sent a spark of mischief through him, his eyes glinting devilishly in the candlelight. With a quick tug to unbalance Rozyus so he half collapsed against him, Huxian smirked before rubbing their noses together, if only to delay the expected, before finally, hand cupping the back of Rozyus’ head, drew them together in a longer, teasing kiss. So much so that he almost didn’t notice as the room seemed to twist, dissolve, reform around them. He didn’t quite realise until it already happened that the form he held was slightly different, that his own form had changed, yet not to something unfamiliar, to something that still felt like ‘him’, like ‘them’*
Rozyus: *Panting a wanting eyes* ‘N-Nari, no! W-we can't...tomorrow... We’ll continue tomorrow!!! After the ceremony. Then we can finally break our vow. Ok nu~
*There was an odd sense about him, like he’d forgotten something important, or that he’d experienced Deja vu without knowing the actual cause of it. A flicker of oddness that was disorientating, if only for a moment. However, considering the person clinging tightly to him, breath teasing at damp skin as they whimpered, he quickly shook himself to pay attention to what Rozyus was saying*
Huxian…?: You’re a tease. I wonder if this is one of the reason why those who are to be bonded are prevented from seeing each other before such ceremonies in some cultures, if only to prevent such cruelties.
*He brushed a little of the wet hair from his love’s face, kissing Rozyus gently before pulling back, partly to follow Rozyus’ protests and partly to tease*
Huxian…?: Ah well...we’ve waited this long...we can wait a day longer. Though I wonder….leaving you like this, will you think about it all night long til then? Would leaving you all frustrated make the ceremony and beyond more interesting, do you think?
Rozyus: J-Jerk, Fiend, Vilen!!! ‘Nari You dummy you leave me like this and I’ll kill you!!!
Huxian…?: Ah, but you were the one who said it was time to stop. Such a fickle creature you are, my love. You should be a bit more clear about what you want…
*He trailed a finger teasingly over the other’s glistening skin*
Huxan…?:...Or rather, what you need…?
*The boy blush tuning around hastily, causing the water to splash around them both, the boy pouts and moved to the edge of the pool climbing out in a huff.*
Rozyus: *Teary Eyed* Dummy, it's not like I don’t want to, it’s that we can’t yet… I really want to, but… *Sniff* and now I’m like this… bully, tease, perverted god… meany,
stupid ‘Nari!!!
*Laughing lightly, he followed the boy to the pool edge, blowing a little on the back of Rozyus’ neck, sending a shiver down the boy’s spine, whether from chill or desire, before kissing the same spot a moment later in apology.*
Huxian…?: I’m sorry. I’ll make it worth your while tomorrow. Once our oath is allowed be be broken, there is a lot to explore for the both of us. Even if I have to guard the whole suite to make sure we’re not disturbed by all the Zenko in my employ, I’ll make it so we have all the time in the world to make up for today.
*‘Huxian?’ swooped the boy into his arms and gently say him at the foot of the bed*
Huxian...?: Now then...be a good girl and wait there for me?
Rozyus: *Puff cheeks out* I’m not a kid!!! Don't treat me like one.
*With a faint chuckle, Huxian(?) bowed low to his love, taking one of his hands and touching his lips to the knuckles*
Huxian…?: My lady, I wouldn’t dream of it, I assure you.
*With a lingering touch to Rozyus’ hand, he moved away to gather the soft, warm towels and a change of clothing. After slipping on a robe, which he tied loosely, he carefully checked the pocket for a small box he had hidden there earlier. Feeling it under his fingertips, he smiled before forcing his expression into something a little less secretive. Once he was sure his expression wouldn’t give himself away, he turned back towards his lover once more*
Rozyus: *Cute sneeze* C-cold.
Huxian…?: Then perhaps this may please you, my lady love?
*Approaching, he laid the clothing on the bed before wrapping Rozyus in one of this thick towels, before carefully drying her skin. This time, he made sure his touch couldn’t be thought of as an adult to a child, letting skin brush skin occasionally, a hint sensually, even as he helped to dry it. He also drew back the boy’s hair, fingers trailing through it as he teased out any knots and drying with another towel, once again making no effort to disguise the occasional brush of skin to skin as anything other than sensual, little reminders that he saw Rozyus as anything but a child. The flush of his skin or the tiny shivers that were certainly not from cold leaving a part of him feeling a type of giddy warmth inside no matter how often he saw it. The boy feebly attempted to remain calm biting his lip slightly.*
Rozyus: I… I think I’m fine n-now, thanks.
*The boy jumped up and reached around for the robe that elegantly lay by his side. He haistaly dressed himself before returning to his lovers presence, the young god could barely contain his bellowing laughter.*
Huxian...?: I’m sorry, I’m sorry… I shouldn’t tease. Yet… it's funny how even now, you can be the wisest person I know outside of a god or goddess of wisdom, yet still react so innocently...or, perhaps not so innocently. I sometimes wonder what kind of thoughts run through your mind when you blush so prettily.
Rozyus: My… My thoughts are none your concerns dummy and don think your getting on my good books coz your complimenting me I'm still upset dummy!
Huxian…?: *Half hidden smile* Is that so? Hm...well, if compliments aren’t quite meeting to standard, I do have something else that I hope might do a better job…
*Sliding a little bit closer as he pulled out the box from his pocket, he took one of Rozyus’ hands and, in an almost hidden movement, removed the ring from its place, settling it onto Rozyus’ finger. It seemed as if it was made just for him. In Huxian(?)’s opinion, it looked far better there than in the box it had originally sat in. As he allowed Rozyus his hand back, the candlelight glinting off the metal, he watched Rozyus’ face change from bemusement to a wide eyed realisation as he stared at the ring now nestled on his finger*
Rozyus: W…What is…? It can't be! You said you-
Huxian…?: I know, but I had time to think and...well, perhaps there’s a part of me that just can’t wait that extra day. Though...would my lady do me the honour and-
Rozyus: Yes! Yes a thousand times YES!!!
*Any thought of keeping his dignity and poise fled the moment he had is response. Unable to stop himself, he swept in and captured Rozyus’ mouth with his own, hoping that she would be able to read all the joy, the utter euphoria that the answer gave to him that he never could put into words. It was only after they were both panting for breath did he rest his head against Rozyus’*
Huxian…?: Then with this ring, you are mine, and I am yours.
*The room began to dissolve back into the present, amd with it, the odd sense of deja vu seemed to finally fade. Huxian, and he knew that that was who he was, not whoever that had been in that odd vision (Nari? Was his name ‘Nari’ in that life? It sounded more like a nickname, though…) found that he was holding onto Rodessa’s hand. Absently, he kissed it, if only to let the other know that he was ‘back’. Though as he did so, the light changed, glinting onto something on her finger. With a start, he realised that the ring there looked similar to the one his past self had given to Rozyus, if that one had been somewhat updated. As if noticing his stunned look, Rozyus, who still peered out from Rodessa’s eyes, gazed upon him with a knowing smile*
Rozyus: Hue~ I’m cold. Do you mind getting me a towel?
Huxian: I...Sure…
*Unsure what to think of it all - perhaps his mind was still a little muddled from the memory that was both his yet wasn’t and was trying to settle back to normal? - Huian carefully slipped from the bath, not wanting to risk falling and cracking his head open from being disorientated. Rozyus followed suit, though his destination was to the bedroom. Once Huxian had the towels - and that made him feel a shiver as he was sure ‘Nari’ did the same thing and wasn’t that a little like walking over your own grave? - Huxian made his way back to the bedroom once more. Rozyus was there on the bed and-
Huxian had to pause, shake his head to remove that strange double vision he had. It was like seeing reality overlaid with a dream. It was really strange. However, just because a memory of a past life was determined to find parallels didn’t mean he should act like he’d somehow found and drunk all of china’s good alcohol. Instead he smacked the side of his head, letting the sharp pain act as an anchor to here and now, before pulling back his shoulders and heading over, mischievously dropping one of the towels on Rozyus’ head so it flopped over his head and shoulders*
Huxian: Still cold? I could cover you in more. Maybe bury you in the duvet, or wrap you in my fur. I’m told my True Form is quite the space heater.
Rodessa: I rather you warm my body in a different way.
Rozyus: Yes, but the vow.
Rodessa: Annoying, but true.
Rozyus & Rodessa: *Sigh* ….Oh well.
Rodessa: So, how was your trip in the the past? Brief, but enjoyable, no? Oh, do you think you could get me one of the jewelry boxes? There's something I want you to wair.
*Hearing both Rodessa and Rozyus talking, not only to each other, but hearing them both at the same time as well was almost as disorientating as the vision overlap had been. However, he shook of the strangeness (familiarity) and instead hummed thoughtfully, wondering how to explain the sensation of the memory. To give himself the extra time, he instead focused o the jewelry box request*
Huxian: Which one?
Rodessa: The black and gold one. Use the code to unlock it.
*Glancing at her in slight bemusement, Huxian did s he was told and located the jewelry box. It was quite pretty, ornate golden designs on a black lacquered box, but for now, he glanced at the coded lock*
Huxian: Alright. What’s the code?
Rodessa: *Knowing smile* I don't know, you tell me?
*Unable to stop a sigh from wanting to bubble up - he could only guess this was a hint that he was supposed to ty to reach back for whatever sparkle of ‘other’ that still lingered from having a past life’s memories dug from the forgotten parts of his soul - he pinched the bridge of his nose*
Huxian: This isn’t my box… but…. did it belong to whoever I was in that life? If that’s the case...you know that memory didn’t focus on this box. Are you sure I’d be able to guess it on ghostly muscle memory? Or am I supposed to...dig, a little? If it’s the latter, I’m...not sure how. What if I ‘get lost’ along the way. Will you anchor me here?
Rodessa: *Displeased Eyes* Huxian, everything in this room is ours. Everything. You are him and he is you. Don't separate the two. To separate yourself from him is to insult him and I won't have that, even if it's you, my love. *Relaxed eyes* Now, open the box. Don’t think, just do.
Huxian: I’m not trying to seperate exactly. It’s just the overlap is very disorientating… like trying to go through a poetry recital after having drunk a years store of sake or something. I didn’t want to be distracted from right now. I think we all know how….stuck I can get in the past at times. In any life, it seems.
*After all, it had taken Rodessa’s pure stubbornness to get his head into ‘now’ back when he had been unable to move from Lihua’s death, so he hoped she understood his concern. It wasn’t anything against who he used to be - ‘Nari’ seemed pretty similar to his current self, honestly. Though...he thought ‘Nari’ might have been Japanese? His tone and a few words reminded him of some of those native to Engetsu’s homeland.
For now, he shook off those thoughts and eyed the box again. So, Rodessa thought he needed to just...try it, not think. Perhaps…
He closed his eyes for a moment and thought of the advice he had been given as a young huli jing, when he had been trying to gain control of his, at the time, budding powers. He took some slow, controlled breaths, sinking into a type of meditation for a while, letting his mind be still and calm, tranquil until-*
SFX: *Click*
*Blinking, he pulled out of his meditation to find the lock undone, a code staring back at him that he hadn’t consciously known, but looked familiar*
Huxian: ...Huh…I suppose soul memory must function similarly to muscle memory…?
Rozyus: ‘Soul memory’, huh? It's the first time I’ve heard anyone call it that. And no, that's to it. Like I said, you are him, all his knowledge is in your subconscious. Little things like opening a lock or knowing friend from foe, that's all him. My sleeping lover. One day soon, you’ll be able to summon him, his full memories and what not. But that's not for a while yet. Until then, forget about it. Oh, and if you ever need anything from this room, don't hesitate, just bring it back after you’re done. Ok, I'm going to rest now. Night!
Rodessa: Sweet Dreams.
*Huxian watched as the spark-that-was-Rozyus seemed to fade from Rodessa’ expression. For a little longer, he kept looking, before he looked back down at the open lock, absently rolling it on his hand.*
Huxian: ...This meeting, combined with the memory from the me of that life...I wonder...You mentioned you thought I was trying to seperate myself, but honestly...I think that there wasn’t that much of a change between the two of us. At least at our core. Should I remember more, I’m not entirely sure my situation would be similar to that of you and Rozyus in the end. With how similar we are, ‘we’ might just end up ‘me’ with some extra experiences. Would that be strange, do you think? Or would you feel pleased? You did seem a little offended when you thought I was trying to keep things seperate.
Rodessa: It’s not what you said, per say, its the notion of Him being separate from you. It’s just like saying the girls are separate from me. We’re not. We’re the same person, just different people. The way you said it… it was like rejecting them...him. I’ve been reaching out to him long before I was born, I finally have you. The precious gem in my hand. Yes it’s rough around the edges, but still a beautiful and proud as it was then. And to have even itself denied it… well, that's something I cannot allow. That's all.
And in regards to you remembering everything or not, like I said, you’ll remember in time. You’ll both fuse, but you’ll still be in control. You can make of it as you will, thats all. It’s not up to me. I’ll love you regardless, ok? So, now that that's done with, let’s go to bed. I’ve been up for seventy-two hours and Hypnos is call me to the sleeping place. *Sticks Out Tongue*
*Oddly, the fact Rodessa would love him regardless...made any trepidations he might have had fade and he couldn’t help the fondness bubble inside him. Putting the now opened jewelry box on the side for now - what was inside they could explore once they had rested - they had both had a long...year and a half, honestly. Just snuggling together in sleep seemed like heaven. Once they were rested, they could look in the box together. It felt...right to do that, rather than alone. As such, he kissed her forehead*
Huxian: Sounds good to me. Mind if I join you? It might seem childish, but I missed sleeping beside you. Nothing felt right.
Rodessa: *Giggle* Cute. You know I was implying that we sleep together I don’t mind snuggling with you either way.
Huxian: Well, you were the one who said you were lacking in sleep, buuuuut….if my lady wishes, then your humble servant shall eagerly comply. Shall we?
Rodessa: *Smile* Hum~ I'd be careful throwing that word around, fluff. You never know what type of ‘Master’ a girl like me could become.
[END]
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