002; video

[vanto]

[The room behind Eli is decorated with a few Christmas lights and ornaments: a candy cane or two, some crystal stars, mistletoe. It's minimalistic but adequately festive for the Imperial household; at the edge of the room is a box and wrappings — this room has clearly just been decorated.

Eli runs a hand through his hair, nervous but content. There is a smear of red lipstick on his cheek that he has been trying to wipe off for forty minutes. This is his life now.]

I can't remember the last —week and a half? Two weeks?— very well. But I know that I caused some trouble as a, uh, glowing horse. With eight legs.

[Eli looks away from the camera, mouth pressed into a thin line.]

I'm sorry, and if you want me to pay or help fix anything please contact me. I don't know how else to make up for all the garden destruction.

[...]

And how do you fix cravings from being a horse? I walked by a flower shop and the roses looked really appetising.

Comments

video;

[looseleaves]

[ Glowing horse with eight legs...? ]

Oh! That was you...? Sorry for treating you like a horse! I was wondering if you were really an imPort...

Um, well, horses still eat apples, so... maybe eat some apple pie? And, you know, if you candy some of the petals, you can actually eat roses! Maybe that could help?

[vanto]

You!

[Eli clears his throat, yeah he sort of recalls you friend!]

The apple rings, right? You gave me those.

I'm trying to kick the horse habits as soon as possible.

[looseleaves]

Eheh... well, maybe you shouldn't kick them, then.

[ He laughs a little at his own joke, hand covering his mouth. Eli set himself up for that one. ]

But, that was me! Ah, they were apple bunnies and actual apples, though. I was able to stop you from eating the park flowers... so I'm glad I could save you from causing trouble, a little. [ And save the poor flowers. ]

[vanto]

[Eli snorts.]

You're right, that was not the right phrasing for what I intend to do.

[He offers Hajime a smile and gestures vaguely, embarrassed.]

Sorry, where they your lunch? I feel a bit bad, but they were quite delicious. How did you make them?

[looseleaves]

W-well, it was just a snack, really... [ Lies! He rubs the back of his neck, embarrassed to bring it up. ] It's alright, I had a lot of fun. Um, I usually make lunch for my little sister and brother, and little kids are picky, you know? So cutting them into fun or cute shapes really helps them eat everything they're supposed to, and sometimes giving it a glaze, too...

I guess I haven't let go of the habit yet even if they aren't here.

[vanto]

[Eli looks thoughtful, Hajime does look young. Seriously, why is the Porter bringing kids here?]

Sorry, that sounds rough.

[...]

You aren't on your own though, right? There are adults around to make sure you're okay?

[looseleaves]

[ Rough?

He blinks, tilts his head, before the question comes and that one just confuses him again. ]

Um--

Well, I live with two other people and one of them is an adult, but... I can take care of myself just fine!

[vanto]

I mean, you must miss your family, right? I missed mine when I went off to the Academy. It got better with time.

[Smile.]

Not doubting that, but just need to be sure you're ok. I owe you for looking after me while I had eight legs.

[looseleaves]

[ For a few telling moments, Hajime's smile turns a little pained, and a lot sadder. Yes, god yes he misses his family so much. He only falters for a few split seconds before he laughs and pushes some of his bangs behind his ear, a nervous tic. ]

Ah--well! I miss them some, but I wouldn't want them to be here, so being separated is easier... ♪

I think you took care of me more, though! You helped me get home when I was too sleepy to walk.

[vanto]

[Eli feels bad at having brought this up. He sucks at feelings and dealing with teenagers apparently. Unless it's Alex and Magnus, because they are more mature than him. Hilarious.]

And you kept me from destroying more things. I really do owe you.

What's your name?

[looseleaves]

I'm Hajime. [ He'll congratulate himself on remembering 1) to just use his first name and 2) to not go last name first later. He does, however, bow his head a little on instinct. ] It's nice to meet you, um--the real you!

[vanto]

I'm Eli, nice to meet you too.

[Don't worry, Hajime, Eli doesn't judge!]

You caught horse-me on a good day, apparently, I caused a bit of trouble for others. And [...] could you teach me to do the food you gave me?

[...]

Uh. Cravings and all.

[looseleaves]

Ehhh, really? You were so sweet!

[ He laughs a little, thinking back on it. ]

But, well, it'd make a bit of sense if you were... I'm surprised, though. --ah, yes, I'd love to teach you! They're pretty easy.

[vanto]

Only to you, I think. But I'm glad.

[Smile.] They were really delicious and I'm craving them. Better than going outside to attack the nearest shrub.

[looseleaves]

That'd be bad~ they probably wouldn't taste as good, either...

Whenever you can spare time for a lesson, I'll be happy to show you, then.

[vanto]

Deal.

Thanks, make sure to take care of yourself meanwhile.

[He feels a bit like an overbearing brother here. Oops.]

[looseleaves]

[ He doesn't seem too bothered at all. ]

Mm, you too!