#chikkyo

Sakyo: ? (Is that Utsuki on the balcony?)

~

Sakyo: So you were here.

Chikage: Sakyo-san.

Sakyo: It’s odd to see you on the balcony alone in the middle of the day. Thought you’d only be here at night.

Chikage: I guess you could call it rolebuilding.

Sakyo: Ah. Because you’re from the Land of Sol.

Chikage: And you’re from the Land of Stratus. You should try stargazing one night. It’s fun.

Sakyo: The point is that we can’t see the stars, Utsuki.

Chikage: Haha, I guess you’re right.

Sakyo: …

Chikage: (It seems the conversation isn’t over. He’s hovering still.)

Sakyo: …

Chikage: I feel like you wish to ask me something.

Sakyo: Don’t stay out too late, Utsuki. It’s cold tonight.

Chikage: Of course.

*door closes*

Chikage: *sigh* Perhaps I’m biting off more than I can chew at the moment.

~

Sakyo: “Odd that you never have though.”

Chikage: “So you’ve never seen the moon and stars then? That’s a shame. They’re beautiful.”

Sakyo: “Of course a Solarian would say such a thing.”

Izumi: (Chikage-san and Sakyo-san are the leads for this mixed play.) (Chikage-san plays Solaris who is scouted by Sakyo-san’s character, Haar, to help cure his son.)

Chikage: “My my, how judgmental.” “You should stay tonight to see them then. I’d like to show them to you.”

Sakyo: “You and your people have been tainted by the sun.”

Chikage: “Is that really so bad?”

Izumi: Ah, Chikage-san, could you sound a little less…

Chikage: Less?

Izumi: Hollow.

Chikage: “Is that really so bad?”

Izumi: Not quite. Can you try sounding more prideful?

Chikage: “Is that really so bad?”

Izumi: ...

Chikage: “Is that really so bad?”

Izumi: Solaris knows a lot about the sky, like you, can you tap into that kinda mindset a bit more?

Chikage: I can try. “Is that really so bad?”

Izumi: Hmm, something still sounds… off. Are you feel—

*door opens*

Matsukawa: Director! I have something to speak with you about!

Izumi: Matsukawa, we’re still practicing—

Chikage: Actually, let’s end here, if you don’t mind, I have some work to finish before the end of today.

Izumi: Oh, okay. Good work then, Chikage-san.

*door closes*

Izumi: (I hope he’s okay…)

Sakyo: …

Itaru: Hidden quest: unlocked.

Sakyo: Oi, don’t play games.

Itaru: Wasn’t playing one RN. But, speaking of games, Banri and I have a raid to prepare for, now that practice is over. Otsu~

*door closes*

Juza: Sakuya, if you don’t mind, I’d like to go over a scene with you.

Sakuya: Sure! Let’s practice in the courtyard!

Azami: I need to talk to Yuki about makeup and costumes, so I’ll go too.

*door closes*

Matsukawa: And then there were three~

Izumi: Ahaha… Anyway, you had something you wanted to say to me, Matsukawa?

Matsukawa: Ah right, so—

Sakyo: … (Utsuki… Work, huh.)

~

Chikage: … … You know you can’t sneak up on me.

Hisoka: …

Chikage: Do you need something?

Hisoka: Where are you going?

Chikage: Nowhere you need to concern yourself with.

Hisoka: …

Chikage: *sigh* I’ll be fine.

Hisoka: …

Chikage: I’ll be back before Tasuku even gets up for his daily runs.

*door opens*

Hisoka: Chikage.

Chikage: …

Chikage: This…

Hisoka: Give it back when you come home.

Chikage: What, are you stealing my past habits now?

Hisoka: …

Chikage: *sigh* Fine. I’ll give it back if I don’t lose it.

Hisoka: You won’t. … Take care.

*door closes*

Hisoka: Stubborn ass.

"Can I...Can I kiss you?" Chikage asks, because he needs the extra push. He needs and wants to be reassured what he's doing is okay and safe. Sakyo's lips press together tightly for a moment before opening.

"It's just a kiss, Utsuki. You can...You can kiss me as much as you like. Only when the kids aren't around though," Sakyo tacks on the last bit, and Chikage laughs, the tight coil in his stomach loosening up just a bit. Sakyo always managed to calm him in the oddest ways, whether the other knew it or not.

"Okay. Thank you." Sakyo doesn't have much time to question the thanks before Chikage moves. He slides off Sakyo's glasses gently, and his lips become eye level with Sakyo. Sakyo barely has enough time to comprehend what's happening before the slightest pressure is applied just below his left eye.

Izumi: (Phew! That was a lot of work at that troupe, but I’m glad we could get it done today.) (They have amazing potential and I can’t wait to see what they do next!) (Maybe I should take some of the others to see the play.) (Hm? Isn’t that—) Sakyo-san!

Sakyo: ? Why are you running? You’re probably already exhausted from working today. Slow down.

Izumi: Sorry, I just wanted to catch up with you. Where are you heading?

Sakyo: Back to the dorms, actually.

Izumi: Oh, did you just come from something?

Sakyo: I did.

Izumi: What was it?

Sakyo: Nosy, as always. It was an errand for the family.

Izumi: (He must be talking about Ginsenkai.)

Sakyo: Were you heading back too?

Izumi: Yeah! … Well. I was, but then I remembered that I need to do some shopping, soooo…

Sakyo: *sigh* I’ll help out.

Izumi: Yes! It’ll be quick! I promise!

Sakyo: Well, I don’t mind it.

~

Izumi: (Okay… So, we have this this and this now… I don’t think we need that, but…) (Hmm, maybe we can get this just in case…) Sakyo-san! Do you think—

Izumi: (Huh? He looks like he’s thinking hard about something.) (Wait, he’s… He’s staring at something, actually.) (Is that…?) Sakyo-san? … Sakyo-san!

Sakyo: ! Sorry… I suppose I spaced out.

Izumi: Really? Couldn’t tell.

Sakyo: What’s with the sass?

Izumi: … You’re thinking about him, aren’t you? It’s bothering you too.

Sakyo: …

Izumi: Have you talked to him yet?

Sakyo: … No. This is different. He’s not like the others. You don’t just… He’s just different.

Izumi: (I know Sakyo-san’s always been suspicious of Chikage-san, but I don’t think he’s figured out the extent of what he does.) (Chikage-san’s always done well in hiding the specifics of what he does from the others, but that doesn’t stop them from speculating.) (Except… Chikage-san’s changed so much over the years, it’s odd to remember April and Chikage are the same person.) (Mankai’s accepted Chikage-san as their family and I’m sure it’s the same for Sakyo-san.) (Sakyo-san’s probably worried that he can’t support him because he doesn’t know how.) (But also… he’s avoiding a lot more than that.) (They both are…) I don’t think he is.

Sakyo: Pardon?

Izumi: I don’t think Chikage-san’s that different.

Sakyo: Hmph. Then, how would you go about supporting someone as dishonest as him?

Izumi: You’re not giving him enough credit. It’s true he’s not really the most open, but that doesn’t mean everything he does isn’t genuine. What’s that phrase? “Actions speak louder than words”? Honestly, I think it’s even more fitting since we’re a theatre troupe.

Sakyo: …

Izumi: Talk to him, yeah? You won’t know if you can support him or not if you don’t say anything.

Sakyo: … I thought we were shopping.

Izumi: Or you can avoid the subject altogether. That works too. (He says that, but he’s not moving.)

Sakyo: Thank you. Director. I think I’ll take your advice.

~

Chikage: … … “Is that really so bad?”

Chikage: … No, that’s… “Is that really…” *sigh* (Why does it never sound right?)

*door opens*

Sakyo: Odd to see you practicing in front of the dorms when it’s nearly midnight. … Even more so when it looks like you’re heading somewhere.

Chikage: Actually, I was going to head back in soo—

Sakyo: Cut the crap, Utsuki. Just this once.

Chikage: I’m not sure what you mean.

Sakyo: Be honest with me. Where are you going?

Chikage: I just said inside.

Sakyo: Then, walk in right now, and I’ll stay right here until you do.

Chikage: Why?

Sakyo: So you can prove you’re not lying to me.

Chikage: Where would I go at midnight, Sakyo-san?

Sakyo: …

Chikage: (He’s staring at me… As if the answer’s clear as day.)

Sakyo: When I joined Mankai, I promised myself one thing. Don’t involve anyone in Ginsenkai’s affairs. But then Bon decided to cause a ruckus.

Chikage: You sound relieved though.

Sakyo: … I am. Mankai helped me make amends with Bon, even if I didn’t want the help, but I’m grateful to them. I still don’t want to cause Mankai trouble, but sometimes… sometimes, I can ask them for a helping hand.

Chikage: (I don’t like what he’s implying.)

Chikage: I’m happy for you, Sakyo-san, but I’m afraid I don’t know what your point is.

Sakyo: Let me help you, Utsuki.

Chikage: With my lines?

Sakyo: Utsuki.

Chikage: … (There’s no escape, huh.) *sigh* You can’t help me.

Sakyo: You’re not giving me the chance.

Chikage: No, really, you can’t help me. I can’t involve anyone.

Sakyo: I’m not just anyone—

Chikage: Sakyo-san! (No. Don’t yell.) You know better than anyone else that I… I can’t. I can’t take the risk. I don’t have a choice in this, Sakyo-san.

Sakyo: You’re assuming too much.

Chikage: Huh…?

Sakyo: When are you coming back? What time?

Chikage: Sakyo-san, I can’t—

Sakyo: Just give me a damn time, Utsuki.

Chikage: … Four AM. Hopefully.

Sakyo: Then, I’ll wait for you at four.

Chikage: Why?

Sakyo: Because if you’re even a second late, I’ll kick your ass.

Chikage: I… I don’t understand.

Sakyo: *sigh* I think you know the feeling. When you get back from something and you get that… that feeling of… of relief… Of someone being there to greet you at the door and say… “Welcome home”.

Chikage: (His eyes are downcast, like he’s remembering something.) (But he’s right, I do know what it’s like… That guy used to do it all the time…)

Chikage: You don’t have to do that for me.

Sakyo: You’re right. I don’t have to. But I want to.

Chikage: Well, isn’t that cliche. You’re treating this as if we’re lovers.

Sakyo: Could you drop your defense mechanism for a moment?

Chikage: …

Sakyo: You need a reminder, Utsuki.

Chikage: A reminder of what?

Sakyo: Of the family you’re coming home to. Of the family that cares about you. The family who worries about your wellbeing and doesn't want to see you get hurt.

Chikage: (He’s probably referring to Itaru and I’s fight… It was a fight, wasn’t it?)

Sakyo: All of us. We’re your family.

Chikage: …

Sakyo: And I’ll do my part to support you. Not just as your co-lead. But as someone part of your family. And I will admit, I don’t want you to go. But like you said, I know better than anyone else that you can’t take that risk. So I’ll let you go. But, I’ll be here the moment you get back, so… Please come back.

Chikage: … I will. I promise…

Chikage: Believe in me, yeah Sakyo-san? I promise I’ll come back.

Sakyo: You better.

Chikage: (But please stop here, Sakyo-san. You’ll only get hurt if you get closer.)

Itaru: … … ? (Senpai’s not home yet…) (I usually wake up to a text from him if he can’t make it back before morning since I cover for him.)

[Chigasaki Itaru] Hey, where are you? Do you need me to cover your ass? READ

Itaru: Oh, very helpful, Senpai. Thanks. *sigh* I guess I’ll just do it anyway.

~

*door opens*

Itaru: … Ah—

Chikage: Morning Chigasaki.

Itaru: …

Chikage: I figured it was useless answering since you’d see me in the lounge anyway.

Itaru: Not funny, Senpai. At least answer next time.

*door closes*

Chikage: …

Omi: … Did something happen?

Chikage: It’s nothing. I need to go find Hisoka to return something.

Omi: Ah, when you find him, can you tell him his bento’s waiting on the counter? He has work later, but I need to head out now so I can’t remind him.

Chikage: Yeah, I got it covered.

Omi: Thanks. Have a good day, Chikage-san!

*door closes*

Chikage: (Take care…)

Chikage: Haah… (I guess I’ll go find Sleepyhead now.) (Let’s hope he didn’t fall asleep somewhere odd.)

~

Chikage: (So he was here.) You’re awake for once.

Hisoka: I didn’t sleep.

Chikage: What…?

Hisoka: I didn’t go to sleep after you left.

Chikage: … Are you feeling alright?

Hisoka: Are you?

Chikage: I don’t know how I apply to th—

Hisoka: Just answer the question.

Chikage: Technically, I asked first, y’know.

Hisoka: Annoying… I’m fine. Now, you.

Chikage: I’m fine as well.

Hisoka: Liar.

Chikage: You just want me to say what you want to hear.

Hisoka: No, I want you to tell me the truth.

Chikage: I am.

Hisoka: You're not.

Chikage: Well, I am fine, and that is the truth, whether you believe it or not.

Hisoka: Stubborn ass.

Chikage: Pardon?

Hisoka: You’re a stubborn asshole.

Chikage: *sigh* Whatever. Call me what you will. I just came over to give this back.

Hisoka: I said to give it back when you come home.

Chikage: Do you have any idea where we are right now?

Hisoka: I’m home, Chikage. You’re not.

Chikage: What the hell does that mean?

Hisoka: …

Chikage: Oi, don’t just walk away.

Chikage: What the hell is he talking about? … (Ah. I forgot to tell him about his bento.)

~

Sakuya: “Perhaps the sun will have an answer for you, then.” “It provides warmth for us and our land. It brings us happiness and security when we need it most.” “It may even give you the cure.”

Sakyo: “… You sound just like him.”

Sakuya: “Pardon?”

Sakyo: “This… man said something about the sun sending him.”

Sakuya: “Solaris.”

Sakyo: “I don’t know his name.”

Sakuya: “Solaris is the Spokesperson of the Sun.” “... Ever since he was born, people thought Solaris was blessed by the Sun.” “He understood the sky and its mysteries like no one else could. Always bright and positive, just like the Sun.” “Solaris… ‘of the sun’… A perfect name for him, isn’t it?”

Sakyo: “He’s simply a dreamer.”

Sakuya: “You truly don’t believe in the Sun, do you?”

Sakyo: “I don’t. I only came here to save my son.”

Sakuya: “Yet you’re here. Coming here for answers and Solaris has given it to you, but you do not believe in the Sun.”

Sakyo: “I don’t need to. I won’t be swayed to.”

Sakuya: “… How sad.”

Izumi: (Sakuya’s really nailing the growing despair Luna has for Haar with his line delivery and expressions. Though, his movements may need a bit more work…)

Juza: Your father left a while ago for the Land of Sol, Caecus.

Azami: “… So what you’re saying is that my father is putting himself in harm’s way for my sake.” “Again…”

Juza: “I’m afraid so.” “He’s only doing what is best for you, Caecus.”

Azami: “His best should’ve been to stay with me.” “Not leaving me alone here.”

Juza: “Your father told me to take care of you, and I will.”

Azami: “You're not exactly someone I find comfort in, Ros.”

Juza: “…”

Azami: “Sorry, I just… I don’t want him to get hurt while he’s over there.”

Juza: “Your father’s a strong man. Nothing could make him fall.”

Izumi: (Caecus and Haar’s concern for each other mirror Azami-kun and Sakyo-san’s own dynamic, so it doesn’t seem difficult for them to tap into that.) (Juza-kun’s embraced Ros completely as an apprentice of Haar’s but also an older brother figure to Caecus.) (And most of the scenes we’re practicing today are running smoothly with little adjustments here and there, but… there’s a clear gap today…)

Itaru: “I did what you said, Solaris.”

Chikage: “Aster! My beloved friend of many years, I knew I could trust you with this!”

Itaru: …

Izumi: ? Um… Itaru-san?

Itaru: … Sorry, can we take a break?

Chikage: We took a break ten minutes ago.

Itaru: Last time I checked, you’re not the director.

Izumi: (Whoa. The tension in this room just got worse…) (They’re just intensely staring at each other, like they’re trying to have a telepathic conversation.)

Itaru: I’m going to the bathroom.

*door closes*

Izumi: (Aaaand, there he goes… something’s definitely wrong here.) Chi—

Chikage: So, break time, I suppose. I need to refill my water bottle if you don’t mind.

*door closes*

Izumi: (This guy…)

Sakuya: …

Sakyo: Oi, Sakuma. Seems like you know something.

Sakuya: They’ve been mostly ignoring each other, it’s been a couple days... Spring’s been trying to get them to talk to each other, but it’s not going well…

Juza: Any idea why?

Sakuya: No…

Azami: Have you tried talking to them individually? Maybe they’ll open up one by one.

Sakyo: Have you met Utsuki?

Azami: Says you, Shitty Sakyo.

Sakyo: Haah? *sigh* Still. This won’t be good for the play if this continues.

Izumi: Yeah… Sakuya-kun, why don’t you try talking with Itaru-san? Someone else can talk with Chikage-san.

Sakyo: … Why are you all looking at me?

Azami: You said it yourself, this isn’t good for the play.

Sakyo: I’ll get to it. (I’m just not sure how to yet.)