nova

When he falls over, it’s Tsuzuramaru. For a moment, he thinks that he has died and wonders if he can see Kayo and the others now. But, he realizes that this body won’t let him die even from something as painful as this. He coughs, ragged and weary, and blood spills out with each and every hesitant gasp. Rolling to his side, Tsuzuramaru ignores Wingul’s voice, though mostly because he isn’t sure what he heard — his ears are ringing and his vision is spotting and dotting. It’s worse when he tries to stand but he does through sheer force of will.

He coughs again, trying to get his bearings though his footing is unsteady and he sways from side to side. He manages, his eyes trying their hardest to focus on the blurry figure standing opposite before him. Tsuzuramaru breathes out but stutters on a cough, blood then staining his balled up fist. His only free hand is pressing hard against the open wound on his chest, trying, in vain, to keep the blood in. After a long moment, he looks to his blurred image of Wingul with nothing else but a determined will.

"I…stand by what I said before. I know, more than anyone, how much you must hate me, despise me, even want to kill me just so I’m not bothering you anymore. But — it doesn’t work like that, Wingul. I won’t let it." He really hates this too, he doesn’t want to hate Wingul or Iunctum, it’s just not in him to do so. What he hates is how weak he can be. He hates that he misses home, that he misses Enishi and Kayo, and everyone else. All of his stay in Iunctum has only made him feel more alone than ever before — made him feel weaker the longer he was here. The fact that he had let Marebito take over, was proof enough of that. "Even if you hate me, even if you hate the fact that we’re together because of this place, that doesn’t matter!"

"You have to take responsibility! I’m not going to give up just because of this, just because you tried to kill me or even if you continue to hate me…I won’t. So —"

Tsuzuramaru ends up coughing again, several times from having used up so much energy that he didn’t have. He refuses to falter however, he won’t allow himself to appear weak in front of Wingul ever again. He shakes his head and raises it again, looking at Wingul steadily and head on. His vision still hasn’t cleared but he won’t let even that stop him. “So, tonight, you better be in the room or else I’ll come find you again and take you back.” His voice is admittedly quieter but he finishes what he needed to say, he thinks.

Wingul seems almost reluctant to reply. His current state prevents him from keeping the cool and calm disposition he always has. The extra pain from the Booster still hasn't dulled in the slightest, it must have brought over the effects from previous usages and stacked this time on top of it as well; it's almost surprising how Wingul hasn't died either, but he laughs to himself, knowing that he won't allow himself to succumb to the Booster's effects a second time. It doesn't really take away the pain, however, and the tactician continues to grip his head in pain, not quite standing up just yet as he looks up at Tsuzuramaru.

"I originally had no intention of killing you... Don't think I would have if I didn't draw power from this." He taps the side of his head, trying to focus in on Tsuzuramaru so that he's distracted from how much it hurts. "But you... are a fool... I'll never understand why you continue to bother me. Just let it go. Why must you try to intrude on my life?!" Though he gets frustrated and speaks up, Wingul forces himself to calm back down so his headache doesn't get any worse (not that it's getting any better either). He sighs, looking up at Tsuzuramaru one more time before he picks himself up, dropping his hand from his head back down to his side so now he appears to be collected. Tsuzuramaru isn't the only one who can suppress this pain or at least pretend to look like it doesn't hurt. Though, he's still quite annoyed, and that shows on his face easily.

"If... we met through different circumstances, perhaps I wouldn't dislike you as much as I do now, but that's not the case. You and I have no reason to be friendly or even consider each other acquaintances aside from the fact we were forced together." Although he drained himself of any remaining energy left, now running completely on fumes, Wingul still makes himself maintain some sort of composure as he tries to speak coherently. There's no way he'll allow himself to lose to not only this Booster, but to his pesky husband either.

His fellow samurai may have been a bit harsh with him from time to time, but unlike his husband in Iunctum, they grew to respect him over time after having gotten to actually know him. A sense of camaraderie is what bound them together but no matter how patient or how understanding Tsuzuramaru had tried to be, nothing like that seemed in the realm of possibility for Wingul and him. Anyway, that didn’t matter to Marebito. 

"You’re really something."

Marebito watches Wingul closely and carefully, preparing his defensive stance before he’s attacked. When they clash the next time however, his own body is definitely pushed back and if he’s not careful, then he can certainly falter. He clicks his tongue in irritation, using his own strength to push Wingul back as much as he can for room to strike. It’s harder with Wingul’s new status, but not impossible and eventually Tsuzuramaru, or Marebito, creates room. “You can be just as stubborn as Tsuzuramaru, you know. Maybe that’s the only thing you two have in common.”

"Ji miti tekun osu n'yooeru...!"  At this point, Wingul no longer cares whether or not he morally wounds Tsuzuramaru; in fact, some part of him may actually want the other dead by his hands. His sense of reasoning and tactics have mostly been thrown out after his change with the Booster so now all that remains is a feral instinct, which he utilizes well against Tsuzuramaru's strikes against him. Eventually, Wingul manages to notice a small opening within his husband's stance and attack pattern and it takes all his might not to overreact then and now. Luckily enough, a small portion of his self-control remains and he's able to hold himself back from going all out in case he happens to make some grave error along the way.

He times it almost perfectly, stopping Tsuzuramaru and his attacks in their tracks for a split second before swiftly carrying out a final blow to the other's chest. Wingul's blade enters almost smoothly through the middle, watching as Tsuzuramaru's body collapses to the ground with the sword still intact. Shortly after does Wingul bring his foot to hover over the boy, finally setting it down on his abdomen as support for when he draws his sword out and watches it illuminate under the moonlight, the red blood looking especially vibrant from there.

@god. why?

Tbh.. maybe she wants a small chat.

"What I think of it?" She finally places her spectacles back onto her features, "When are we going back home, do you think I like being stuck in here with all these people. Ugh, it’s so aggravating when people who are annoying are also living and breathing here. All in all, I don’t care what happens to this house, if it burns down, if people left, I’d leave too."

Honestly, free them.

"I suppose I understand..." He thinks for a moment, back to all the times Tsuzuramaru has bothered him or attempted to even approach him, to which he grimaces at. As for Tetsuya... Well, Wingul has little interest in interacting with him either. "Though, I doubt we'll be able to leave, let alone go back to our old homes."

Marebito, by no means, is anything like Tsuzuramaru but that doesn’t mean he can’t tell just what is going on with the samurai in question. He IS a part of him, after all. All of the samurai’s thoughts and doubts, Marebito knows them all. He doesn’t talk much more after his comment however, not right away. What he does do, right away, is strike at Wingul — taking the initiative to begin before their combat banter continues.

The nice thing about Tsuzuramaru, despite being used by Marebito, is that he was always a fast attacker. He was still learning certainly, but he was determined so his swordplay and his eagerness to learn went hand in hand, really. It all paid off, especially when backed up by the sheer force of Marebito. Even if Wingul should deflect or parry and attack, hurt Tsuzuramaru’s body, it wouldn’t hurt for too long — thanks to Marebito, once again. His lips curled into a smile, not the same humble and happy ones that Tsuzuramaru would give, but something far more malicious. 

"Say what you like and think what you like, I am Tsuzuramaru."

"If it wasn’t for me, he would be dead."

Time with Tsuzuramaru’s natural high speed, Marebito puts more force behind each strike, swinging at Wingul without relent and with a clear and obvious intent to not just harm, but maybe even kill. Though it’s hard to say whether or not those are Marebit’s intentions, or Tsuzuramaru’s frustrations finally bearing fruit. Of course, it could ALWAYS be Marebito’s influence over him too but not that Wingul would ever be able to tell the difference, he thinks. 

His own fine swordsmanship coupled with his basic artes (most of the others would be too dangerous to use in a confined, presumably nondurable space such as this, and out at sea too...) allows for Wingul to get by well, however Tsuzuramaru's latest strike almost catches him off guard but he blocks with his sword at the last second. Looking into, or rather, glaring, into Tsuzuramaru's eyes, he clicks his tongue in annoyance. If it keeps going on like this, he just may no choice but to use that booster of his...

"The same could be said of you."

"However you're mistaken if you think this is the most I can do." He pauses for a moment, taking this time to push Tsuzuramaru back as he jumps away from the other's range as well. "It would be troublesome if he were to die here, but I have no qualms about giving your physical body any sustainable injuries." Almost immediately after he finishes, Wingul lunges forward to attack. However, through the duration of this battle, he becomes more and more roughed up and as he steps back again, he wipes the blood from his face before feeling an intense surge of mana coursing through his body--a bright lights surrounds him and disappears as suddenly as it came, exposing a visibly different Wingul to the man before him.

There is a much more hostile and aggressive air to the tactician after the transformation, it appears as though much of his sensibility has disappeared, so much so that the next time he opens his mouth to speak, it isn't anything that Tsuzuramaru could understand.

Tsuzuramaru knew he was optimistic, he was told so well before Wingul ever came along. He knew he was too humble or he could be pathetic sometimes, he could be too nice for what he wanted to be. However, he never stopped aiming for his goal in spite of all these shortcomings and in spite of all the people who told him different.

But he’s not made of stone and when someone cuts into all his doubts like Wingul just did, Tsuzuramaru falters. He’s only human, after all — and he can’t help but feel smaller and weaker the more he turns over what was said to him. Has he really not made any progress, not gained a single ounce of recognition despite all of his best efforts? His gaze falls to the ground and his fists clench tightly. 

He doesn’t know what to say and he’s not sure he wants to even say anything. However —

"How can you pretend to know me when you haven’t bothered to ever talk to me at all?"

It’s true, isn’t it? Here Wingul is ripping into him without having ever really gotten to know him, and for what? To make him go away or to alienate him so the two never interact anymore? 

No, Tsuzuramaru refuses to allow that to happen even as much as Wingul wants it to. At the very least, if they should part ways then it won’t be like this. Though his resolve has strengthened, there is something, or someone else, inside of him that takes advantage of the momentary shame, the momentary doubt he was feeling. The young samurai has no control over this and he doesn’t know who or what it is just yet — but, with this, he can become stronger and he can prove himself stronger to Wingul even if the ordeal proves to be deadly, he can’t stop it now.

It all happens rather quickly. Tsuzuramaru isn’t himself anymore, he looks curiously older, his skin has more life to it, and even his eyes are different. His entire disposition flips a switch and this new “Tsuzuramaru” now standing before Wingul draws his sword without a word and without hesitance, pointing the tip of the sharp blade directly at his ‘husband’. 

He doesn’t really say anything at first, but then just as suddenly decides to. "Well? Hurry up and draw your weapons, Wingul."

What Wingul gets isn't what he expected at all.

Tsuzuramaru, who could have been once described as a small, sickly person has now become someone strong, healthy, and even intimidating to some degree. He stares, not moving once even as Tsuzuramaru manages to draw his blade and point it towards him, as though it's some kind of threat he expects Wingul to take seriously... Not that this is something to make much of a joke out of. The person before him has an entirely different aura than the boy he was just speaking to a moment ago, to which he narrows his eyes at. The more he thinks about it, the more he can feel how strong the other is, realizing that there is a very stark contrast between him and who he recognizes to be his husband. 

This man... This man isn't--

"You aren't Tsuzuramaru."

"If you intend to prove to me just how strong you are, I won't agree. Running and using another's strength for help in a time like this... what a fool he is."

For a moment, he recalls a long time ago in which Tsuzuramaru had explained some important part about him; there was something that lived within him--what was it called? Perhaps this is what it is now. This entity who never caused either of them trouble until now, though he wouldn't want to fight it in place of Tsuzuramaru when having to test strength, Wingul still wonders what it's like. This dangerous aura about him, it truly draws the tactician in.

"No, not exactly." He mulls over what Wingul just said again, thinking on how best to respond to everything. Wingul may not talk a lot but when he does, he sure knows how to rip into this little samurai. So, he’s careful about choosing his words when he next opens his mouth to speak.

"I don’t think you’re incapable, I just KNOW you don’t eat so you can work."

He sighs and rubs the back of his head, unsure of what else he can say — he’s already kind of sure he messed up as it is and Wingul will either get mad or ignore him completely. Those seem to be the only two things Wingul ever does to him for as long as they’ve been together. The more he thinks about it, the more that he feels kind of ridiculous about all of this. Maybe, just maybe, if he were stronger and more capable…

"I told you I was fine earlier didn't I? If I was hungry I'd have gotten food myself, even you should've been able to figure that out, especially since you know there was nothing for me to preoccupy myself with..." What appears to be a small smile on his face disappears shortly after as he looks to the side into the dark waters in the horizon. He asks Tsuzuramaru why it is he cares so much about Wingul's condition--after all, it's not as though they have any obligation to each other nor does the latter particularly like him.

"It's been months since we've been deemed a married couple, and yet nothing's changed. Do you think anything you can do now, in your current state, would change that?" He finds the thought laughable, really, looking forward again for a second time, tilting his head in wonder. The only people he admires or will keep an eye on are those he finds strong, capable, and/or intelligent. Those qualities, or at least in the volumes Wingul would like, are not found in Tsuzuramaru, he thinks.

Since arriving, Tsuzuramaru had actually seen very LITTLE of his spouse. It wasn’t too out of the ordinary for him, for them, but he found it concerning when he didn’t meet Wingul, at the very least, during night. If he didn’t want to share a bed, he could respect that and sleep on the couch or on the floor, he’s slept in worst places. But he couldn’t even do that much given that Wingul just never showed up to their supposedly shared bedroom.

Since it had been several days, Tsuzuramaru sent out Hayato to find his missing husband, smiling at his bird when he returned with news. The young samurai followed dutifully, eventually making his way to a secluded area of the yacht. Unsurprisingly, he should have guessed that Wingul would be in a place like this. 

He pursed his lips together before looking around, calling out Wingul’s name to see if he would respond — he didn’t. So, he began to peek around until he looked over the edge of the yacht to the emergency rafts and found his missing person there. It was a bit strange to be here, but he supposed Wingul had always been like that. "Wingul!"

Unfortunately, he was caught but there's no reason for him not to concede that at least, despite how much he wanted to rest just now after having done... absolutely nothing all day (being surrounded by all this high energy can be tiring sometimes; now being one of those times). So, with a long, tired sigh does Wingul pick himself up and jump back onto the ship by Tsuzuramaru's side, though, he doesn't bother looking at him.

"It doesn't matter nor is it any of your concern. But, I know you won't stop bothering me otherwise so, I'm fine. Don't think less of me, as though I can't take care of myself." Stretching, he finally turns back to look at his husband with disinterested eyes. "I don't recall allowing you to be my 'partner' either."

"So? Is that all?" He sighs, knowing that Tsuzuramaru often likes to check up on his well-being and while anyone would appreciate the sentiment, Wingul finds it to be rather bothersome. It's not as though he ever asked his husband to do such a thing nor does Tsuzuramaru seem to really know him well enough for the older to actually listen--as far as Wingul is concerned, Tsuzuramaru lacks any of the experience and knowledge that his previous comrades had to intrude like this.

Tsuzuramaru is still touched that Wingul remembered but he doesn’t want to pester him by making too big a deal out of it. His lips turn with a faint smile at the question and he wonders where they can go. He doesn’t want to make Wingul uncomfortable since well, he barely leaves the house unless he absolutely needs to. This leaves him with a few ideas and he’s glad for his birthday celebration to be something simple in the end.

"I think…do you remember when we first met here and I got distracted by those food stalls?"

He remembers it well given that it was their first meeting after all, and not to mention the food he had eaten there was to die for. He hoped Wingul wouldn’t mind eating some of it too since the young samurai himself has noticed that his spouse barely eats. That in mind, Tsuzuramaru hops up and dusts himself off, patting Hayato once on the head before allowing his bird to perch on his shoulder like usual.

"Unfortunately."

Their initial meeting was most definitely not the most memorable nor was it the most pleasurable meeting Wingul has ever had. First impressions were made severely worse after Tsuzuramaru ended up distracted by the food surrounding them, causing himself to become lost within the large crowd despite Wingul having told him not to do so--and now that he thinks about it, the tactician has no idea why he ever bothered to go back for his spouse.

...But enough about that. He finds it pointless to mention much more of his bad association with the place anyway, instead he takes the hint that that's where he would like to do dine and sucks up his annoyance just for today. "Hmph, you're worrying about me even though today's supposed to be about you." Wingul can't help but muse particularly loud enough for Tsuzuramaru to hear. "This time, I wouldn't imagine that you'd stray too far either." Especially considering they're going to be heading towards the food, rather than way from it.

Perhaps he shouldn’t have acted so surprised but for Wingul to give him the time of day let alone this much came as a shock. Tsuzuramaru had long since resigned himself to this, he was happy just to be able to be near him really, to be able to protect him though he doubted he needed it but it was enough. Even if Wingul avoided or came to a point where he hated him, it was alright, Tsuzuramaru thought — he was used to something like that. It was hard for him to remember his past but he could remember the village, the family that shunned him as well.

He was hurt by it, but it was alright too, so long as they were safe then that was what mattered most. It’d be hard for him to not admit that he gets lonely from time to time — how he sometimes longs for someone to be by his side and accept him for who he is, how he is, despite everything. But that seems like too far off a dream. Tsuzuramaru quickly manages to regain himself however, clearing his throat a bit and managing a smile to forget the harrowing thoughts. He hops up quickly enough and dusts himself off, thanking Wingul for his kindness even if it is a bit roundabout.

Still, he appreciates the gesture regardless and finds that he’s happier than he has been in a long time from something as simple and as small as this.

"Even if it’s just a one time thing…"

"I wouldn't be irresponsible enough not to know." He puts it rather bluntly, also mentioning how he only really has that information out of obligation rather than actual care. "But in any case, it's not something to make a big deal out of--me knowing when your birthday is, that is."

"... So don't mention it."

What he says may come off as being somewhat bashful, although if Tsuzuramaru is smart, he's know otherwise. Wingul would much rather not have to hear anything about this afterwards, understanding that this (as he's stated before) will not happen often, if again at all, and believing birthdays aren't all that special considering they're celebrated every year. Either way, he lets out a small sigh, starting towards the front door to go outside.

In the end, he didn’t think much of it — of Wingul, he didn’t want to bother him or burden him though he hoped that they could act civil towards each other and perhaps grow closer over time. Even if Tsuzuramaru himself wasn’t the most adept when it came to things like that. Caught up in his own thoughts, the samurai didn’t even hear Wingul approached, startled before he quickly calmed and listened intently.

Happy surprise laced his tone as he responded.

"I suppose you could say that. Today... is your birthday, is it not?" He glances towards Tsuzuramaru, closing his eyes before walking closer to the other. "I don't know what you like other than to eat, so I propose we go out to a restaurant or something similar to that. I'm sure you're familiar with the eateries available around here; you decide where we go."

Trying to focus seemed a monumental task with this pain yet Tsuzuramaru pushed himself to do so, holding his breath prior to a slow exhale. His eyes fluttered open soon after and he rubbed his forehead once again, distracting from the pain as much as he was able even if only a fraction. It was enough to keep him going, dark eyes snapping back towards Wingul when he spoke in his authorative tone. It was what he had expected though he surprise was clearly written over the samurai when Wingul continued his points and he wasn’t sure what to say initially. It was almost comical how Wingul had told Tsuzuramaru to relax — Wingul had always been more serious than anyone he had ever met and he almost wanted to repeat the phrase back to his husband but his thoughts were caught in the back of his throat when Wingul finished with a final thought.

The happy shock riddled his face this time around, Tsuzuramaru feeling his heart skip a delighted beat. Hope rose and spread like fire through every edge of the samurai, and though perhaps he knew better in the back of his mind, he couldn’t help himself from excitedly responding. His voice was filled with its usual demeanor as if nothing was wrong and this was any other ordinary day.

"Wingul…! You can count on me!"

"I…I won’t let anything hurt you…!"

A slight tinge of responsibility laced his last remark, he wanted to make sure no harm would come to his spouse — even if they weren’t married due to this society’s rules, he would still have treated him this way. He wanted to protect Wingul to his utmost from Marebito, from what Tsuzuramaru really was. He would be lying if he hadn’t hoped that this would have never come to light, hoping he could have controlled it so that his spouse would have never been the wiser, likewise…he had resolved that if he couldn’t control it, he would have made sure to distance himself from Wingul all the same. For his protection, for Wingul’s safety from the Marebito that plagued Tsuzuramaru’s body…it was all because the young samurai didn’t want to hurt anyone anymore, didn’t want to become a liability because he wasn’t strong enough to control himself, to protect others from himself.  Perhaps this was why he continued to ignore the pain that plagued him even now — no matter what, he would be strong.

"Hm, you're an odd one." He muses, taking his time to process what his husband says. Despite their highly contrasting personalities, it doesn't seem like they're too different in regards to loyalty and service to others they... care about. Assuming that Wingul is someone Tsuzuramaru truly does care about and doesn't simply feel the need to act like this due to their "relationship" status. He turns and begins to make his way to the kitchen for a glass of water without another word. Once there, he glances at the other from the corners of his eyes, sighing as he holds the cool cup in between his hands. "But, thank you, though." It's a quiet phrase of gratitude, rarely ever used by Wingul to express sentiments than just a neutral thanks when others run errands for him and whatnot.

Hearing Tsuzuramaru's next suggestion, he places the cup down onto the counter as he leans against the surface. "Normal?" What can be considered a normal day for either of them? Although it's still an unfamiliar routine to Wingul, all he has been doing recently is venturing out to do minimal tasks for himself without any subject of Auj Oule to do it for him. Rarely has he ever left the castle, enamoring himself in all that work, oftentimes going days without sleep or a good meal, so it's odd being outside as much as he's been. Aside from that, his typical day now also consists of heavily ignoring Tsuzuramaru's presence and actions. Considering he can't really do that for the sake of keeping his promise of being by his side as well, there's no way he can begin to call doing that a "normal" day. Besides, he doesn't think it's a very good idea to leave the apartment today with all the possible dangers that threaten them now.

"What would you call a normal day for yourself? If possible, try not to think up something that involves leaving the house."

"Are you going to beg?"

"That was not a suggestion…”

"Can’t you see I’m only trying to protect you?"

"There, that should keep you quiet."

"If I can’t have you, no one can."

"If I see you talking to anyone else, I’ll kill them."

"You’re so lovely with that terrified expression…”

"Why do you look so scared? I only wanted to play…

"You’re already falling asleep, don’t fight it…"

"This leash is such a flattering color on you…"

"I’ll break your legs so you don’t run away."

"You were with someone else, I know it!"

"You don’t want me to gag you, do you?"

"Doesn’t our love being forbidden make it even more romantic?"

"You make cute expressions when you’re asleep and all alone…"

"I’ve always been there for you even when you didn’t realize it."

"Forget a big wedding, who needs to know?"

"I prefer you to be mine, all mine."

"I wonder how your scream sounds…"

"That’s not good enough, I want to own you completely…”

"No one will love you like I do."

"How is my love so terrible?"

"I’ve held back for too long…"

"Tell me you love me… tell me you need me…”

"I want to feel you from the inside…"

"You can beg better than that…"

"Shhh, it’s okay baby. I won’t hurt you…"

"I love it when you’re feisty…” 

"This can just be some funny story we’ll tell our children someday."

"So silly of you to change your number; you should’ve known I’d find it."

"I’m sorry about that. You know how crazy you make me, darling."

“No, please don’t make me…”

"I’d rather die."

"You might have me but you’ll never own me completely…"

"What do you want with me?"

"Please, I won’t tell anyone, please…"

"How could you!"

"Leave me alone."

"Don’t touch me."

"I trusted you…"

"Stop, please…”

"Help! Someone help me!"

"So you killed my friends?!"

"You promised you’d never hurt me…"

"Will you let me out this once? I’ll behave, I promise!"

"How can you say we’re meant to be?"

"Oh my god! You’re insane!"

"A restraining order is what you’ll get!"

"What’s going on? Where am I?"

"W-wait, can’t we talk about this?!"

"I never said I hated you, so please. Please stop this!”

"You’re starting to scare me…"

"I’ll never love you."

"But I’m with someone else."

"He/She’ll save me, you’ll see…"

"N-no, not there!"

"Why are you being so demanding, you don’t own me!"

"Stop, I can’t take it!"

"W-why can’t I move?"

"I’ll do what you say, please don’t hurt him/her!"

"…you wouldn’t dare."

Wingul didn’t seem to care about the fact that Tsuzuramaru normally inhabited in a partially rotting body, a body that had died — nor did he seem to care that he was currently in such a body. He supposed that was for the better for that was hardly Tsuzuramaru’s greatest concern. It was the fact that he didn’t feel that presence which could only mean that along with his state, the Marebito that possessed him had been transferred over as well. He didn’t want to alarm Wingul by speaking about that too, though he seemed perfectly capable of handling it — Tsuzuramaru couldn’t help but worry, couldn’t help but feel guilty for putting his spouse in such a trying predicament. There was a way to prevent Marebito, at least for the time being, from taking over thankfully, but he wasn’t sure if Wingul would be keen on the idea.

"Wingul…" He began, unsure of how to best approach the subject. He looked to his usually bandaged arm once again, then back at Wingul’s now rotting arm. He figured that Wingul would grow irritated if Tsuzuramaru hesitated so he spoke his idea aloud and explained to the best of his ability. Though, it was easy to tell by his mannerisms, just how nervous he was about the whole ordeal. "That’s not the only thing…if you ever feel strange then please tell me immediately. There’s…someone else that inhabits my body. It’s mostly under control but sometimes it can be dangerous." He spoke seriously on the matter, meeting Wingul’s steady gaze with his own.

"No…no, it should be fine."

"Even if Marebito gets out of hand, bathing in the moonlight would help keep him under control."

Though he would normally have gotten embarrassed and been unable to say so, Tsuzuramaru was surprisingly serious during the ordeal. Perhaps because of his worry, or maybe more so due to his own guilt. He was so overcome with emotions that he had forgotten the pain that was consitently throbbing through his head. Until Wingul’s words echoed from the back of his mind and Tsuzuramaru blinked in realization, touching fingertips to his forehead. He quizically looked at his husband, his expression neutral until the pain proceeded and though the young samurai tried to keep his expression the same, it would falter with hints of pain.

However, the main reason for his newly focused attention on the other's general explanation is mostly as an extra precaution. An extremely prideful man, Wingul boasted many strengths and showed little to no weakness; after a while, he grew to be arrogant and ignorant of his own limits, causing his eventual downfall. Back then, at the Temporal Crossroads, he terribly underestimated the severity of the situation and suffered the ultimate consequence of death. Even as confident as he may seem that nothing will go wrong, his subconscious seems to want to take precautions in order to prevent a repeat of those past events, having learned from his mistakes.

Throughout this ordeal, Wingul says nothing and reacts little, thinking upon his next course of action. Of course, even after his husband makes his point and stops talking, he still remains silent for a moment or two before sighing and brushing away the other's hand from him. "...Do what you want." He speaks bluntly, "It's no use trying to argue with you about letting you stay or making you go. You won't leave, anyway, am I correct?" Looking directly at Tsuzuramaru, he can't help but feel as though he empathizes with him in the strangest of ways. Wingul understands the desire his husband holds to protect another, wanting to be by their side in order to watch over them. Though he laughs, it's quite an admirable trait to him.