โ Aki โ donโt leave me again , yeah ? I donโt want you to go . . . โ
Tightening her grip around him , she sniffles again before slightly tearing up once more .
Enough loss . Enough pain . Enough suffering . She wouldnโt allow it . For her , or for him .
And upon that idea being shot her way , she darts through the door and tackles his lap , holding him tight .
โ No โ stay . . . โ
Hiding her face in his shoulder , she uses a free hand to wipe her tears . God , his arms felt so warm around her . . .
(-) ...at least with that, she wouldn't have to deal with the hassle of making dinner for herself, and she might feel better if she wasn't alone throughout the night?
He wasn't a man of thinking things through very well, but his heart was in the right place...
โ And no offense , but you donโt really look super docile . โ
Stance would be entered , ready to attack if needed . She didnโt want to โ but she would if needed .
Her body shivers once more as they other meets hers , iris widening upon the admission that the Ghost Devil was simply powerless against such a devil .
She lets out a deep breath , before slightly pulling back to keep distance . She was still intimidated .
(+)
๐"That is what I said, isn't it? That I'd take you out for a drink?" she asked with a faint chuckle, her fingers weaving between Himeno's. Despite the gesture, her grip remained surprisingly loose, easy to slip free from as though she welcomed the possibility.
~
She closed the distance once more until her soft bosom rested lightly against Himeno's collarbone. Her presence was still cold, though no longer carried quite the same oppressive weight as she looked down at the woman.
"Surely you understand what you're dealing with if I've already told you that I'm the Devil of Shadows... Or perhaps I never did. Either way, the Darkness Devil and I draw our strength from fears that are closely intertwined." Her voice was little more than a whisper.
"I wouldn't claim to rival the Darkness Devil... but that Ghost Devil you struggle to fully manifest?" One hand drifted to the tail of living black ichor that coiled behind her, stroking the inky appendage as it shifted with a life of its own. "It would simply become food for this."
The tail was the same impossible shade as any natural shadow, so utterly black that its outline blurred against the darkness around it. Only the brilliant white teeth lining its maw stood out with unsettling clarity.
"But allow me to make one thing perfectly clear." Her pearly eyes met Himeno's. "I am not here to threaten you. I am not here to harm you. I simply wanted your company... your time... and the chance to exchange a few words. I mean that sincerely."
An unusual smile settled across her face. It seemed almost unfamiliar, as though smiling was something she had rarely practised. Even so, it only served to accentuate the quiet, effortless beauty she carried.
โ Regardless โ what do you want to talk about . . . As you know , I still work for Public Safety . If I deem you a threat , I may have to declare you a threat . โ
Reaching to grab her belt with one hand , and the other hand reaching in her pocket for a knife .
โ Not a thing we can /not/ do . Keeping the public out of the danger is half the job . โ
A cross of her arms , after taking a deep breath , and stashing her notepad in her back pocket .
๓ ฐ
Cue a slight head tilt. Due to recent experiences, she happens to know exactly what she meant.
โ A devil hunter. Iโm surprised you guys manage to be so secretive. โ
โ Iโm gonna hold you to that , ya know . . . โ
She said , before huffing , body leaning against the door as she looked upwards , closing her eyes and letting her tears roll down her face for a moment .
A moment where it reminded her she was still kicking .
Upon those words being quietly spoken through the door , she started to reach for the doorknob , but . . . pulled herself back .
She was scared to face him . Face him in such a vulnerable state . Show the true her . Not the giggly , tease-y girl she was .
(+)
(-) Even if it wasn't really all that funny, he was hoping it'd cheer Himeno up a bit, the idea of them passing a cigarette back and forth was... as sweet as devil hunters could be sometimes...
But he'd wait out her all night if he needed to, he wanted to be with her...
The /real/ himeno . The girl that sits in bed at night chainsmoking over the people she couldnโt save .
The Himeno that drinks to forget all the partners and families sheโs let down .
And she couldnโt let him see her like that .
No way .