Closed Sleep If You Can, Sara... Open to Mahou Tent

15.7.24
night
English & Japanese

He could only wish sleep had come easy for him. Often, right as he closed his eyes, he wasn’t lucky enough to have his brain say ‘Okay good work today, time to rest’. No, instead it had an awful tendency to overanalyze what he did in the day. His tone. His posture. The way his eyes looked. If he looked too scary. Smiled too much. Nitpicking the smallest details as if it were doing homework. He’ll think about it. Take note. And try not to do it tomorrow. He figured the small improvements would show gradually all the time. And had an almost idiotic hope for it. Patient, as if he was watching a tree grow. 

But that meant his mind always came to the same conclusion; you’re not ready. And he took that with understanding. Yes, he wasn’t ready. Not ready in the way he wished to be. Still, he was thankful for people who were immune to his odd…presence. People like most of the Mahou students coming to Hogwarts. But that was not of his skill or improvement. It was just the case where they happened to be people who were considered fearless. 

And thus, he was a light sleeper. At least for the first few moments until his brain got too tired to keep analysing his behaviour today. And just as he felt himself drifting off to sleep, a slight movement behind him made his shoulders tense for a moment, instinctively. 

“Hi..ro..?”, he assumed, letting out a gruff whisper without looking back. Who else would do this? Sara had always known the blonde boy to be rather touchy. At times, a bit too much for Sara to keep up. But he never argued against it. Knowing it was just his personality and something Sara ought to adapt to. Even if it came…incredibly unnatural of him. Still, this was rather new. As touchy as Hiro was, Sara was generally usually left alone when he slept. “Is…everything okay? Cold? ”. His discomfort could be set aside for a moment if Hiro needed it. Still, he didn’t move an inch yet, just waiting for his response. Blissfully unaware of who really was sleeping next to him.

@Jack Bunett
Action: pissing off Yami (with love and peace)

Banner by Hanako Tone

Roleplaying as Ginyami Midorimori from Mahoutokoro
"English | Japanese"

At the sound of Hiro's name from Sara's lips, Ginyami instinctively tensed. He knew immediately that was a mistake, however, because as close as he was pressed up against his peer, Sara was sure to have been able to tell. He would have known something was wrong immediately, so it wouldn't have done any good to keep quiet.

Well, if he was going to make Sara uncomfortable anyway, he thought he might as well have gone all in. If nothing else, it could have been considered payback for his classmate having mistaken him for Hiro. Leaning forward, he hooked his chin over Sara's shoulder, reminded with an irksome start that it was similar to what Hiro had done to the other 6th year earlier that day. Ugh.

He guessed he would just have to behave so differently so as to make sure Sara never thought to mistake him or his behavior or actions for Hiro's again.

"Sara," he chuckled, so close that his breath was probably tickling the beater's ear. His lips weren't touching it, though. Not yet, anyway. "Don't you know your childhood friend from your kohai?"

Hmmm...Ginyami wondered idly if Sara had ever had a crush before. And, if he thought he might have found someone attractive or interesting, what gender they had been. Perhaps he didn't even care about gender as was the case with Ginyami. Or perhaps he very strongly did. In which case he could have responded very badly to his fellow sixth year's rather intimate behavior.

From what he knew of Sara, the pureblood guessed he would supress whatever discomfort of his own he felt for the sake of others, especially him. He was probably aware Ginyami, like himself, did his best to people-please when he could. But how far would he allow his peer to take things if he just lay there and let him do as he wished? Surely he had a breaking point.

Right?

Sara Kohana (@Hanako Tone)

15.7.24
night
English & Japanese

While Sara assumed Hiro was behind him, it was mainly due to how he was the only one who could possibly be bold enough to hug people. Even Aryaan, as much …pleasantly chaotic as he is, wouldn’t be much of a frequent hugger. But apart from that, part of him was somewhat uncertain. Right after he asked if Hiro was cold, he was met with silence. Even being hugged tighter. He felt Hiro’s chin on his shoulder. His heart raced momentarily, feeling an ache in his gut that he ignored. It’s Hiro. It's just Hiro. He’s always like this. Sara tried to convince himself but the more the seconds went on, the more he felt Hiro was being weird. He would have imagined Hiro to laugh, or explain himself or at least pull back for a moment to double check if Sara’s alright with it.

But instead, a hushed breath tickled the side of his ear. "Sara," followed by a criminally charming laugh he knew too well.

Oh god. He felt like.. combusting. His heart immediately did gymnastics while he felt a lump in his throat, preventing him from speaking too fast

Sara was thankful for the dark of the night. Doing well to hide the red tints on his ear, and dusted across his cheeks. “ I… Y-Yami…!?”. He managed to whisper, the confusion and chagrin evident in his tone, and the way he awkwardly shifted in his position. He didn’t do anything to turn behind, no. Frankly, he was terrified. If he did that, he would be right in front of Yami’s face and…oh dear…

He was just.. Caught off guard, all despite how persistent his heart is today in beating like a drum in his chest. He felt it loud enough for him to almost hear it. Somewhat embarrassed if Yami heard it too. “ S-sorry I just.. Hiro usually hugs me so.. I.. I thought you were..” he stammered, trying to keep his voice down to a whisper. Deciding to merely hug Samantha ( his cat plushie) tighter, as if she gave him the strength not to jump out of the bed in nervousness.

@Jack Burnett
action: internally freaking out for platonic reasons

Banner by Hanako Tone

Roleplaying as Ginyami Midorimori from Mahoutokoro
"English | Japanese"

"...Would you have preferred that I was Hiro?" Ginyami whispered back, staring appreciatively at the back of Sara's head. The fox-eyed student's voice was calm, but perhaps a little too calm. Though, even knowing Ginyami as long as he had, with as flustered as Sara's feelings might have made him at that moment, it was anyone's guess as to whether he would have been able to notice.

He reached up the hand that wasn't around Sara's waist to idly play with the hair at the nape of his neck. The hand at the other teen's waist reached up to touch his chest, but there was something in the way. Something...fuzzy? That plushie from earlier. The realization caused Sara's peer to shake in silent laughter, but when he spoke again, there was nothing mirthful in his voice. Instead, it said sardonically, "...Funny, isn't it? How you're clinging so hard to that stuffed toy, but you yourself can hardly stand being clung to." He released a soft sigh. "Won't you comfort me like your little friend comforts, you, Sara? You're the only one who can, after all." He placed his hand atop the hand that held the plushie so tightly. "You're the only one who knows what I'm really like. What I...truly am."

His solemn tone gave way to a more cheerful one as he continued. "I was just admiring how utterly captivating you are when you're not worrying so much about others. You really should be more selfish, Sara. You can only help others if you're satisfied with yourself, you know?" Ginyami sighed again. "You always smell so good, too..." Eucalyptus leaves and sandalwood. He knew his scent well by now. It mingled with his own, which generally included notes of incense and ginko trees. "...It's a wonder no one has asked you out yet. I'm sure you would be the perfect boyfriend with how attentive and considerate you are."

Sara Kohana (@Hanako Tone)

15.7.24
night
English & Japanese

“N-no no of course not..” he panicked out a whisper. Momentarily more mortified Yami would think Sara wouldn’t want him here. Well…in actuality yea this wasn’t the most comforting scenario. Which is what he was confused about. On one hand, he didn’t like the lack of familiarity with this. At the same time, … this was Ginyami. He was probably the most ‘familiar’ friend Sara ever had. “You just.. I didn’t expect it to be… you that.. You know.. Is ..doing ..this..”. He whispered back, uncertain anymore about whether he was comfortable or not. Should he be? All his instincts were screaming yes. But Yami was a little different than others. He could easily tell what Sara was saying, even when Sara never said a word. Perhaps it was just how it wasn’t the same for Sara that made him uneasy now. Sara felt he knew Yami too… in a way others hadn’t. But it was more like a never-ending dance. Two steps forward, one step back. Perhaps not entirely Ginyami’s fault. Sara only had a bad habit of never being fully confident he really knew Ginyami. No matter how much they shared, Ginyami was always surprising him. While he bet he remained as he is. Predictable.

This moment was one of them. It somewhat crushed him that Yami felt like this was natural, while Sara’s mind was going miles per minute just trying to adjust to this new side of Yami. I mean. It was just hugging, right? Surely in a few minutes, Sara would have gotten used to it.

Or .. at least that’s what he thought. Apparently, his friend had other plans.

Sara felt Yami playing with the back of his hair and he went dead silent. For a moment, he regretted letting his hair grow out. Tensing slightly as he felt it, letting out a sigh, silently taking deep breaths. Hoping Yami won’t notice how fast his heart is beating now. Couldn’t Yami have just stayed still and hugged him? It wasn’t uncomfortable persay. In fact, it was rather..soothing. To be treated gently by someone familiar. He shook that feeling off, reminding himself it was Yami. His friend. His caring friend. "...Funny, isn't it? How you're clinging so hard to that stuffed toy, but you can hardly stand being clung to.". He felt Yami’s hand move up, landing on his own plushie. “I.. I just.. Samantha’s cuddly..and cute... and I'm not really.. Yeah.. so..”. Sara tried to explain in a whisper.

. "Won't you comfort me like your little friend comforts, you, Sara? You're the only one who can, after all. You're the only one who knows what I'm really like. What I...truly am."

“ L-like I said I’m not that..good at that.. I mean….you know. I’m not ..” he struggled to even form words when he could still faintly feel the warmth of Yami’s breath near his ear. It would have been fine if this was the day or when they were around other students. But at night, in Sara’s bed, with the rest of the students sleeping? It was doing something…weird to Sara.

Yami didn’t give him any room to relax. Going on about how he was admiring him and telling him to be more selfish. “That's…ah... Cap…captivating is a ..really..strong word...Yami..” he mumbled in a whisper, his cheeks flushed red even more. Yami was wrong though, about not worrying about anyone right now. The more he talked to Yami, the more he was concerned. But then Yami would say something like how good he smelled and he would be too flustered to voice out his concern for a full minute. “A-ask me out..? N-no I don’t think ..uuh.. Yami..” he couldn’t help but plead him softly, gently hoping he would tone it down. Knowing well enough Sara’s discomfort in being complimented. “ I’m just…enough happy with you.. “ he mumbled the last part a bit more quietly than the rest. Suddenly panicking at the thought of Yami hearing him he continued. “ A-and.. Aryaan..and Hiro.. and Chiaki.. And El… Emmalee.. Samantha..”. He slipped out his plushie’s name accidentally.

He took a moment to gather himself before fully deciding with a racing heart, to face Ginyami. Somehow it felt worse not to know what he was doing while Sara’s back was turned towards him. Sara, very gently tried to scoot himself further and turned his body over. But due to the small space, and the fact he wasn’t entirely on the thinner side, he scooted far enough so part of his back was off the mattress. This bed wasn’t meant for 2 people and a plushie after all. Sara found it somewhat easier to breathe with Samantha in between Yami and him now. Even when his position was rather uncomfortable. “You.. you didn’t answer my earlier question..” he whispered, bringing the plushie closer to him. “ is ..everything okay..? Are you cold? Do you want to switch beds? E-earlier you said. You want me to ..comfort you as Samantha does. Then….you can have her for the night” Sara suggested genuinely, releasing his tight grip on the cat plushie and pushing it closer to Yami. “She’s really nice to hug. Warm too.”. She didn’t have muscles like Sara does. She wasn’t as big as Sara. She wasn’t taking up space as much as Sara. She didn’t frighten people with her face & didn’t have a terrible presence that made people uneasy. But he didn’t voice the last few words out. Although they were the biggest factor as to why Yami - or anyone really - shouldn’t really be hugging him.

@Jack Bunett
Action: (send help)

──

The scent of popcorn still filled the air inside the tent which was the main reason why Tone found himself unable to fall asleep easily, along with the fact that he had adrenaline coursing through his veins right now. Earlier, he'd done a bit of practice on his Silver Arrow. He couldn't help but think about the itinerary for summer camp and all the fun activities that were listed on the sheets. So, although he was quiet, he wasn't asleep like most of the tent was. Tone released an almost inaudible sigh as his eyes opened. He stared up at the ceiling of the multi-colored tent with far too bright colors. Why had Yami chose this one? It couldn't have been just for the reasons he'd given. That wasn't him. Tone heard footsteps approaching his bed which stopped rather abruptly soon after. He expected them to go away but then heard the telltale sound of a mattress being sat or laid down upon. Sara was already in bed and that meant someone else was there now too. Curiosity arose within him. Who was it? That was when a whisper could be heard from below, Sara's voice. Calling his name. Nope. Sorry to disappoint Sara but that wasn't him down there! After a few seconds of silence, Tone heard another familiar voice. Yami. What was Yami doing down there? He wasn't sleeping with Sara or him and it was dark outside. Night time. When everyone should be sleeping.

──

Didn't he know him the best? Feeling disgruntled, Tone couldn't lie still anymore. But at the same time he didn't want to talk to them either. Argh. Deciding that he wanted to get some popcorn now, Tone pushed the covers off him and hopped off the top bunk. He landed on the floor softly and headed over to the middle of the tent to shove some popcorn into one of the bags provided near the section. Grabbing a glass from the edge of the tent, Tone filled it with water and then made his way back to his bunkbed again. With his hands filled with the popcorn container and water, Tone reached his resting place. Pausing, he let his eyes flicker over at Yami and Sara. For once, Tone was not smiling and he looked rather annoyed but then his fake smile was back. "Keep it down guys, don't want to wake the others, do you?" He said and the fake smile disappeared again. "Don't you think you're a bit too close?" Tone added, not being able to resist those words and then climbed back up onto his bed, his feelings in turmoil. But Yami's words still echoed inside his mind and for some reason he couldn't get them out of his head. Could Yami be doing this to him because of what he'd done this past year? Was this his way of getting back at him? Tone shook his head, of course not, right? But he knew Yami. If provoked, Yami would 100% try and get back at him if he perceived Tone having hurt him. Being neglected was a big deal, Tone knew this from past experience.

Actions:
Overhearing Sara and Yami's conversation and getting jealous of Sara's closeness with Yami.

Banner by Hanako Tone

Roleplaying as Ginyami Midorimori from Mahoutokoro
"English | Japanese"

Ginyami smile silently to himself as Sara began to falteringly try to explain himself and his mistake. Sara's...embarrassment? Unease? provided Ginyami with enough amusement to soothe his seething jealousy...mostly. It continued to simmer beneath the surface, but at least it wasn't rearing its ugly head just then.

"...I didn't expect it to be me doing this, either," he whispered back impulsively. He wasn't exactly sure why...perhaps simply to get Sara's reaction. Or, perhaps...maybe...to let Sara know that he wasn't the only one uncertain about what they were doing. About what Ginyami was doing. It was incredibly rare, too, him not knowing why he was doing something. Usually he had everything meticulously calculated and planned out. So why this?

"...Samantha?" he asked, a spark of jealousy lighting his eyes which, fortunately, Sara couldn't see while in front of him. It took him a second to realize that his peer must have been referring to the name of his plushie. Well, that was...something of a relief. Not that it meant anything better for the plushie, but he would deal with it later.

"Sara, my dear friend...you are good at so much more than you realize," Ginyami sighed. His hopes that his message would get through to Sara were not high, as he understood that negative thoughts were more easily absorbed and accepted by him than positive ones, particularly when they were about himself. Still...perhaps if he drove the notion in persistently enough, someday Sara would be willing to accept it. Maybe if he at least knew that at least one person believed in him, he might have had a higher chance of believing hin himself as well.

"Cute and cuddly is not what I want, Sara," he told him seriously, his voice void of all amusement, mirth, and teasing. "Nor is it what will comfort me. I said you're the only one who can and I meant it. Right now in this moment." His hold on the other fifth year graduate tightened slightly. "You don't have to make an effort to comfort me. You comfort me by being here. Staying here. You are constant and reliable and I appreciate that with all my heart. You have always been there for me - for everyone who will allow you to be there for them - but for all the happiness you bring to me and everyone else...don't you deserve to be happy yourself?"

The comment about the term captivating caused the conniving pureblood to huff another breath of quiet laughter. "It is indeed a strong word," he agreed. "That's exactly why I chose it. And you know I don't do things without a reason, do I?" Even if he didn't always know what that reason was; at least not at first.

The way the quidditch beater spoke his nickname tugged at his heartstrings and caused his chest to tighten. Ginyami went rigid. He thought it might have just been a fluke, but then it happened the second time Sara said it, too. The third time it happened wasn't even due to Sara saying his name anymore - it was what he said instead.

“I’m just…enough happy with you.. “

There was no breath that Sara would feel on his ear at all for a moment. And then Sara continued.

“ A-and.. Aryaan..and Hiro.. and Chiaki.. And El… Emmalee.. Samantha..”.

Oh.

Oh, no no no. No, that wouldn't do at all.

At first, part of Ginyami wondered if perhaps the additional names had been meant as a cover-up for...what, he dared not speculate. He quickly dismissed the notion as him reading too much into things. After all, if Sara really had some sort of infatuation with him, surely he would have been able to detect it by then, wouldn't he? If Sara thought he might have had one, then Ginyami was certain his shy classmate's flusterment around him would have given it away ages ago. He was likely only acting like that now because Ginyami was behaving so...unexpectedly and inappropriately. No other reason.

Thus, with an uneasy, dubious, slightly-wicked grin, Ginyami absently committed each name Sara listed to memory because he was definitely going to half to track down the individual that each name belonged to and find out the measure of Sara's affection for each. Samantha, however, was already on his Ginyami's bad side; no further research necessary.

It was around this time that Sara chose to turn around and face his classmate. Ginyami, who had been so lost in thought trying to conjure up the best way to 'take care' of Samantha, had not anticipated the behavior at all and was thus caught wearing his strange grin with a slightly manic look in his eye before his expression quickly morphed into one of flush-faced shock. It took him all of a moment to recover, but in that time, Ginyami recognized two things that immediately pissed him off - one, that that stupid, sphere of a cat shark plushie called Samantha was between them. And two, that Sara was now hanging partially off his own bed.

The shock on his face, though, hadn't had time to disappear or even betray his sudden anger before it was renewed by a fresh wave of realization. Sara's question...the fact that he had noticed Ginyami hadn't answered it and pointed out that fact...not to mention the question itself...summoned so many emotions in Ginyami that he wasn't sure which to examine first. Usually, Ginyami was the one who was careful enough to notice things like when other people tried to dodge questions, especially because the majority of people were too forgetful or not invested enough in the other person to care if they didn't answer something about themselves. Especially a question as easily-dismissed as the question of their well-being. But Sara cared.

Sometimes it was easy for Ginyami to just tell himself Sara couldn't possibly care about everyone because he must have been like Hiro. Hiro, who Ginyami suspected acted like he cared about everyone just as an excuse to avoid having to sort himself out.

But Sara had had every reason to forget the question he'd asked, especially in the embarrassment following the realization that even though he'd meant to ask the question of Hiro, he'd asked it of Ginyami instead. And yet...he hadn't. This proved that not only had he meant it when he'd asked the question of who he thought had been Hiro - rather than simply asking in order to prompt him to explain himself or something similar - but he meant it when asking Ginyami, too. He'd meant it even after Ginyami had behaved so inconsiderately toward their fellow Mahoutokoro students on purpose that very day. And he'd meant it even knowing that Ginyami had behaved the way he had on purpose.

Was he trying to get to the bottom of why Ginyami had behaved so badly by disarming him with a kind question before interrogating him about his terrible actions?

No. Of course not. This was Sara.

If that was his intention, he wouldn't have let the conversation slip back into something Ginyami could so easily use to avoid answering tougher questions - something like Samantha.

Sara really had picked the worst topic to change the conversation to by picking that stupid cat shark plushie, though. Even if the crime of doing so had been done innocently.

What face was Ginyami supposed to make then? Laugh? Cry? Sara had asked so many questions...should Ginyami even try to answer them all? Would he be offended if he didn't?

Before he could properly come up with an answer, however, he heard a noise from above them. Hiro was getting down from the top bunk.

Shit! He had been awake?!

Ginyami lay very, very still and quiet, wondering just how much Hiro had heard. Maybe, if they were lucky, he hadn't heard anything. But what were the chances of that?

As Hiro began to climb back up to his bunk, however, he stopped to look at the occupants of Sara's bed and Ginyami knew he'd been busted.

"Keep it down guys, don't want to wake the others, do you?" It couldn't have been more obvious, particularly from one practiced with smiles, that Hiro's was fake. But maybe he'd cheekily made it obvious on purpose.

For some strange reason, however, he hadn't seemed to feel the need to keep it up for his next question. "Don't you think you're a bit too close?" And then he went on his way.

How. Dare. He?

First of all, how dare he listen in? And if he was going to listen in, how dare he have the audacity to make it known he had been? How dare he think he can try to deceive them with a fake smile while asking such a ridiculous question? How rude of him to speak so frankly and rudely to his senpais when their culture was all about respecting one's elders as superiors? Maybe Ginyami was used to Hiro being so casual with him, since he'd allowed him to be in the past, but to Sara as well? And how dare he judge THEM about what was too close, especially after all the hugging HIRO did time and time again with countless people in the past and would undoubtable do so in the future?

And THEN, after all THAT, the brat had the arrogance to think he could just escape without even waiting for their response? Was he trying to avoid facing the consequences of his actions?

Well, as Hiro didn't seem to plan on leaving the tent anytime soon, Ginyami took it upon himself to make sure Hiro did face said consequences. Especially since he had probably embarrassed poor Sara to hell and back again.

Speaking of Sara...first things first. Ginyami fished out his wand from his robe - which he hadn't yet taken off - and pointed it discreetly under the covers before uttering, "Locomotor Mortis." Couldn't have Sara trying to escape as well, now, could he? And if he knew Sara, that would have been the first thing he tried. Especially since he was already partially off the bed and Hiro's thoughtless words were bound to have made his upperclassman attempt to keep as far away from Ginyami as possible. In addition to the spell, he slipped his other arm under Sara to wrap around his waist in an attempt to keep him close.

Once that was taken care of, there was the next thing. "Muffliato." That should have taken care of any more eavesdroppers they might have had, Hiro included.

And then a last, final touch. "Flagrate."

Idly wondering just how many of the spells he had performed Sara would have heard or recognized, Ginyami doubted there would have been many if any at all. Regardless, he didn't bother Sara giving a chance to ask him, because by then, he knew what he wanted to say to Sara.

Putting his wand away, Ginyami took Samantha in his hand before wrapping that arm around Sara and pulling him toward him so as to make sure he wasn't hanging off the side of his mattress anymore. The bed might not have been meant for two people, but Ginyami was fairly certain that if they kept close enough, they could both fit, and he himself was not one to mind close proximity. Refraining from chucking Samantha across the room into the remains of the fireplace like he wanted to, he instead set it next to Sara's head since they had more space on the pillow than where their bodies occipied the mattress.

Then, his hands locked together around Sara's waist, he forced himself to meet his peer's gaze and spoke as seriously, calmly, and gently as he could. "Sara, listen to me. Hiro nor anyone else trying to eavesdrop should be able to hear us anymore due to the spell I put over us. So, if it wouldn't be too much to ask, I'd like you to be completely honest with me." He paused to take a deep breath. "...Why did you lie to me earlier today?"

Meanwhile, the spell 'Flagrate' - also known as the Fiery Script Charm - had begun to write fiery words in the air just over Hiro's bed. The words were in Japanese and the fiery effect only seemed to accentuate the meaning of what they spelled out.

めんどうなことになるよ。

Mendouna koto ni naru yo.
You're asking for trouble.

Sara Kohana @Hanako Tone & Hiro Bakugo @Kim Sato

15.7.24
night
English & Japanese

Yami didn’t know why he was doing this? Well, that’s… at least they were in the same boat. But it was just surprise after surprise for Sara tonight. He is always seen as Yami who just.. knew stuff. Knew his thing. Knew other people. Knew how to make the situation better. Of course, Sara didn’t become friends with him knowing just that part of himself. But he figured it was at least 90% of his character. It was a good reason why Sara felt safe around him. Sara would have the hardest time with anything, whether it be talking to people, school, or just being generally anxious about the smallest things. Yami was just.. there. Knowing what he was doing. Knowing it helped. But this? Nothing could explain this. And Sara wasn’t yet sure if he wanted to find out more about it. But to his admittance of not knowing what he was doing, Sara remained quiet. This was Yami, still. And he could find comfort in the fact.

The same Yami that would keep reminding Sara of things he didn’t believe. Did he never get bored of it? Or annoyed that despite the years he tried to convince Sara of that, Sara would just revert to his usual self. It’s not like Sara didn’t try to say it to himself either. But it was like his self-assurance was nothing more than white noise he tuned out easily. And yet, Sara never really asked Yami to stop. He tried many times in his head, but he always came to the same conclusion. He didn’t want to. Because for a few minutes at least, it was easier to believe Yami meant what he said even just for a little. Perhaps a selfish part of him wanted the loop to keep going. To keep having Yami remind him he wasn’t all that bad. Sara had learned to just accept most compliments. Nod his head, quirk the tiniest smile, and say thank you. Like a scripted response that never failed to make his stomach churn. He was only realising now that it had been a good while since he ever used that tactic with Yami. Perhaps because he knew Yami would see through it. He always did. Even when Sara never said anything. Yami just… knew.

Though some of the things Yami said felt like a stretch. Was Sara really the only one who could comfort him? He wasn’t the best comforter. Nothing in him easily believed any of his words. But as he mentioned, Yami was good at convincing Sara. Way too good. “I’m..not unhappy..” he tried to say. It wasn’t an entire lie. He wasn’t joyous all the time, no. But he wasn’t unhappy all the time. At least... Not at the moment. When Yami could wave off all his worries with a few words. And actually had him believe it. Or at least want to. Even for a few moments. “You.. appreciate me..” he mumbled softly, barely audible to hear. And there it was. The surge of warmth that flooded his chest that he could get addicted to. But he shouldn’t. Couldn’t. “If.. if you... Insists... I can help comfort you in.. this way..I-I’ll try my best. For you. I’ll believe you”, he said sincerely. Yami didn’t particularly need to worry about Sara being unhappy for not. At the moment, being useful and able to fulfil whatever someone he cared about needed - helped him achieve just that. Joy. Of doing things for someone when they asked.

"It is indeed a strong word," Yami agreed to the part about Sara saying ‘captivating’ is a strong word. "That's exactly why I chose it. And you know I don't do things without a reason, do I?"

“ I ..guess you don’t..” Sara simply agreed. His mind was brought back to why he was doing this then. He never did anything without reason. Boredom was out of the question. Curiosity... Maybe. But they could speculate about it all night and it wouldn’t go anywhere. Yami doesn’t do things without reason. He doesn’t reveal things without reason too. Or at least, Sara felt he preferred it that way. Whatever it was, Sara learned a long time ago that when Yami feels it’s necessary, he will explain. He trusts Yami to feel it's necessary to continue to stay as Sara’s friend. So he will trust Yami to explain why he chose that particular word, if necessary. Plus, Sara didn’t think he could handle Yami whispering into his ear again about why he chose that word. So perhaps another time was best. “I mean… not 'everything'..right?” he asked, somewhat hopefully, albeit a bit hesitant. Referring to when Yami mentioned he didn’t know why he decided to just..hug Sara out of the blue. Somehow it felt better if he still didn’t know why. To be as clueless as Sara was. Then that way, he could revisit that surge of warmth in his chest from earlier.

Sara let out a sigh of relief, saying Yami didn’t make a retort about his admittance that all he needed was his friends + plushie. It should be a common fact, Sara thought. Yami should have known this by now. There was no way he would care too much about it. When Sara turned around, he felt like he was a trick of the light. Was Yami.. grinning? No, that couldn’t be. What would he be grinning about? Perhaps how Sara had more friends he cared for than Yami expected. Yami was probably proud Sara could even mention more than 3 friends. Regardless, Sara didn’t comment on it. Instinctively trying not to smile as well. As if he felt like mirroring a caring friend. In the end, he didn’t. His smile wasn’t the prettiest anyway.

He felt a few other facial reactions from Yami. But the longest one seemed to be a look of... Well.. it was less of a look and more like silence. Sara blinked for a moment as if trying to give Yami more time to respond with a yes or no, but feeling more uncertain as the seconds ticked by. “ …Yami…?” Sara gently called out, Samantha still pushed between them. That was... New. Was it something Sara said? Yami was a talker. When he wasn’t talking, Sara assumed he was thinking deeply. But he felt he didn’t need to think too deeply about Sara’s question. Or perhaps he was looking for a way to not answer the question. The thought sent tension in his shoulders for a moment. Before he could take his questions and suggestions back, and maybe tell Yami he didn’t have to answer if he didn’t want to, another sound entered their private space.

Oh..

Ah..

Oh god...

Sara’s anxiety was like crashing waves, really. Depending on the moon's phase and the wind, it could come and go. Crash and smooth. And just as his heartbeat was slowing down and he was finally getting comfortable, he was caught. He felt he shouldn’t need to be embarrassed. It wasn’t like he and Yami were doing..much apart from talking. And.. some hand touching..and hugging.. but… there wasn’t anything weird? But somehow it just felt entirely mortifying Hiro heard all of that. In the beginning, he followed suit with Yami, trying not to move at the small chance that perhaps Hiro was just sleepwalking.

That hope was crushed down when Tone’s gaze flickered right at them. With each word Tone said, the more the pit in his gut grew. Panic making his heart race. Was he angry? Did they really wake him up? Oh god, Sara never ever wanted Tone to be annoyed at him. It was such a different tone from the usual cheery one he used that it stabbed Sara’s gut as if they were knives. A deep guilty frown on his face as his body already reacted to Tone’s words as if they were orders. Directions were put on blast for Sara to follow without question. His face blushed in embarrassment and was ready to say all sorts of apologies in different shapes and forms. Already his body knew exactly what he had to do: Get away from Yami. Didn’t matter that Sara was already moments away from just falling off his bed. Or at least... That’s what would’ve happened if Yami didn’t have other plans.

A shiver ran down Sara’s spine as he felt the Quidditch Keeper’s hand slide under him to hold his weight, preventing him from doing as Tone told. Which really only freaked Sara out more. It was funny. Sara was stronger than Yami. Could have easily just forced his way out. And yet he was way too frozen to do anything. His heart beating way faster than before and he felt somewhat out of breath. From the panic of the possibility that Tone was annoyed by him to.. Yami held him close again. Sara was unsure which one was worse at the moment. Too dumbfounded by the amount of spells Yami cast in under a minute. All of them Sara had... zero idea of. That didn’t make it any less mesmerising to see. He wasn’t annoyed or anything. Concerned, yes maybe. As he had zero clue what Yami just cast. But he was 110% sure none of them intended to hurt him. Before he could even have the chance to ask, Yami seemed finished with his set of spells and covered them under the blankets. It was now… far too dark for Sara’s liking. Which said something as he usually preferred the dark. Not with Yami too close to him and Samantha being taken out between them and placed elsewhere. “ I- but-” he mumbles a gentle protest, evidently not wanting the only thing blocking them gone. Part of him was about to take Samantha back, between them- as he would have liked. But he refrained. Mainly because Yami spared no hesitation in bringing them closer.

Again- thankful for the dark. His face burned. “ I take too much space..” he tried to remind me in a soft protest. But it seemed to fall on deaf ears, considering Yami pretty much locked Sara in place. “ Tone said..” he hesitantly protested again, anxious at how the blonde-haired boy felt when Yami completely disregarded Tone’s suggestion and annoyance. He did his best to not breathe. Or at least be a slower breather. Because every time he did his chest felt a little too close to Yami. But the second Yami spoke, Sara fell silent. Attentively listening temporarily pausing the flurry of his worries to hear him.

“Lie..? Wh-when did I-” his face dropped a bit, realising what Yami meant. Sara overanalyzed enough situations the second he closed his eyes to know what he was talking about. He took a moment to catch his breath and calm the panic in his chest that pushed his heart to race. Mainly because he realised how close they were in their now even smaller space. Taking notice more of how softly Yami was talking. In comparison to when Tone talked to him earlier, it was … nice to hear. Like a soft balm to a wound. “I’m..I’m sorry..” he said first, gentle and sincere. A twinge of guilt in his tone. Of course. Yami noticed. Of course, Yami knew Sara lied about liking his decision to pick a tent for all of them. He always noticed. Even when Sara hoped he didn’t. “You just…we’re thinking of us. Thats all. You wanted us to have a new experience. I just.. Wanted to support your decision..so I.. “ he frowned, tensing as he worried for a moment just how long Yami was thinking about this. Perhaps even how much that annoyance festered. “ I wasn’t..lying” he added, “ I really do. Support you I mean. It's nothing big. I can tolerate the colours if you choose it”. He admitted, figuring that Yami was going to be unsatisfied with anything but the truth. And Sara wasn’t smart enough to hide much from him.

He paused for a moment but hesitantly parted his lips again, “ A-are you.. mad?”. He asked, in a small whisper. “ Is this why you’re…” he trailed off, clearly referring to how this might be the reason why he’s like this.

@Jack Burnett & @Kim Sato
Action:

Banner by Hanako Tone

Roleplaying as Ginyami Midorimori from Mahoutokoro
"English | Japanese"

"That's good," Ginyami told Sara once his peer mentioned he was not unhappy. "But not being unhappy is not the same as being happy. And thank you for doing your best to comfort me and believe me. I'm very grateful for your efforts."

It wasn't long after Sara acknowledged that Ginyami didn't do things without a reason that the flower-hater followed it up with something else that surprised his classmate.

“I mean… not 'everything'..right?”

It was only because he'd had certain doubts on his mind that Ginyami knew right away what Sara was referring to with his question. He hadn't expected anyone but himself to catch it. But, again, he should have known Sara, of all people would. People could say many things about the quidditch beater, but one thing no one could call him was inattentive. Ginyami laughed softly in wonder and amazement of his friend.

"I would say 'everything', actually," he answered with a genuine smile. "I do everything for a reason...but that doesn't mean I always know what it is. At least not at first." Though it was very dark, Ginyami tried to peer into Sara's even darker eyes. "I think you may have just helped me realize the reason I'm here, though."

After the whole fiasco of Hiro coming down from his bunk to get some popcorn only to stick his nose into their business and make some unsolicited comment on their proximity to each other, the navy-robed student was in much less of a pleasant than mood than prior to it. However, he managed to contain himself and remain at least outwardly calm for Sara's sake. It was another reason he had gotten so good at controlling his outward expressions, body language, and other non-verbal communication alongside his verbal sort - because he was aware of just how sensitive Sara was and how easily he could pick up on such things. The last thing he wanted to do was to add to the cat-lover's concerns regarding the feelings of everyone around him, so it was best to always seem he was calm and composed in order to be one less person for Sara to worry over.

Ignoring Sara's protests - as he didn't think any of them were worthy of acknowledging just then in the face of what he considered more important matters - Ginyami asked his question before listening to the other teenager process it. Eventually he apologized, which of course was to be expected, and continued to try to explain himself as best he could. The fox-eyed student waited until he was finished before answering back.

"You said, 'it's a nice tent, Yami'," the quidditch keeper stated, still speaking as calmly and gently as he could manage, though there was a touch of an amused smile in his voice. "Was it not a lie that you thought it was nice? Or do you truly, suddenly not mind being bombarded with bright colors from all sides simply because it was my choice to surround you with them?" He quirked a brow. "And I don't mean simply tolerating them, either. That's not the same as not minding them. Or thinking them to be 'nice'."

Was it just him, or, in saying that he wasn't lying, Sara was being technical about his word choice like Ginyami so often was? He must have known what his peer was referring to or Sara could have started with saying he wasn't lying rather than an apology...but maybe Ginyami was looking too much into things again and Sara was just apologizing because that was instinctive on his part whenever he thought someone might have blamed him for something.

"I was thinking of all of you when I chose the tent theme and signed everyone up," he replied slowly. "And I did want you all to have a new experience. You're right about that. But...do really you believe I did all that with everyone's best interests in mind?" The question lingered for a moment before Ginyami continued, as if he didn't expect or perhaps even want to hear an answer.

"Very well; let's say you were one hundred percent certain I truly did have everyone's best interests in mind when signing everyone up for this tent. Even if I had the best of intentions, are you saying you would support me despite the unhappiness of everyone else?" He smirked. "And don't try to pretend you didn't notice the others' misery. If there's one thing you're constantly aware of above everything else, it's how unhappy everyone around you is. At the very least, because you want to make sure you're not the cause."

Ginyami went on, trying to be patient and gradual, but having some difficulty filtering his mouth once he was on a roll. "I know you would keep quiet if it was only you who you thought might have had something against my decisions. But what if said decisions caused others pain? Physical, emotional, or both? Would you still want to support me then? What if I gave no reasons for my actions? Would you blindly trust that I knew what I was doing? Could you trust that what I thought might have been the best thing to do actually was the best? If you thought you could, then why? Simply because it was me? Because couldn't it be possible that I might do bad things with good intentions or good things with bad ones?"

His words slowed and became a touch softer. It seemed obvious by then that he didn't actually expect Sara to answer all or even any of the questions he had just pelted him with, but he at least hoped to make him think about them. Those and the two more that followed. "What is it you believe in, Sara? What is it you stand for?" Ginyami's hands tightened a little more on each other as he kept Sara encircled in his arms. "Because if you stand for nothing, my friend, you'll fall for anything. Do remember that."

With a heavy sigh, Ginyami carefully pressed his forehead against Sara's and closed his eyes. "I appreciate your support, Sara. I truly do. But I wonder if you understand the cost to yourself by giving it. Everything has a price, after all. You're shy, not stupid. Don't act like it. You have your own mind; your own thoughts. You know what does and doesn't make you happy. If you start lying about that just to appease others, you lose a little more of yourself each time until you'll start to lose the ability to distinguish between what you do to make you happy and what you do to make others happy. It is important that you never lose that distinction."

The quidditch keeper unlocked his hands from around Sara and drew them up to cradle his friend's face. "No one knows better than purebloods how important it is to keep those two things separate. We are constantly having to weigh what we want with what is expected of us. Many of us practically end up slaves to our society and culture; automatons with no free will of our own. But you are different. You were born with a freedom we weren't, so don't let that go to waste. It would be dishonoring the rest of us who strive for that freedom you have to do so."

Lifting his face, he slowly raised his chin to lightly kiss the top of Sara's forehead. "So please...know yourself and never lose that sense of self once you've found it. Understand and recognize your core values and what makes you you. Find your strength of character, which I know you have because it shows so much in what you do and say every day. Learn what lines you aren't and aren't willing to cross - yes, for the sake of others. But most of all, for the sake of yourself."

Drawing back, he tired to find what he could of Sara's gaze in the dark once more, smiling fondly at him. "I'm not mad, Sara. I'm just concerned. For you. Lying to me is one thing...but lying to yourself is so much, infinitely worse. So...do you think you could promise me something, please?" He leaned in closer once more, stopping centimeters from his face and hesitating before contining to speak. "Do you think...you might be able to promise me that you'll try never to lie to yourself again?"

Sara Kohana @Hanako Tone