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

[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!