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I knocked ,
“Ryoshu , may Faust come in ?”
Ryoshu came into view across the round window of the door .
She looked me up and down , before turning around .
“It's break time , go away .”
“Faust needs to do room inspection . Apologizes for inconvenience .”
“Hoo … You never said inspections were a thing .”
“Think of it as a wellness check .”
Her eyes noticeably widened .
She hasn't shown any signs of …
Ah , she opened the door .
Immediately hot air came out . Though not too hot , just fair bit warmer than out here .
“Welcome to my domain .” Lightheartedly , she gestured inside .
Entering room , the wood creek underneath .
It's dark , lit only by the line of candles in the back .
Hm ?
A futon is rolled out on the floor . It’s parallel to the wall of candles .
Ryoshu sighed and pulled it out the way .
I paid no mind , continuing forward .
Out the barred window above .
Hmm … It’s completely dark .
“You don't mind burning alive in my room ?”
Looked over to Ryoshu , who was watching my every move , and back to the candles .
I am a bit close .
I took a step back .
“So , you wanna talk about it ?”
Her voice had an edge . Mhh , of course she wouldn't want Faust here .
“About what Faust is looking for ?”
“Yeah . Sure .”
I stared at the futon that now rest near the wall ,
“You prefer to sleep close to fire ?”
“Keeps me on my toes .” She grinned wide . But her eyes still pin to me .
She normally doesn't stare like that .
Though her resting and glaring face are similar , it’s quite clear to Faust .
It's not great to cause unease for selfish reasons .
Hmm this wasn’t best course of action , but how else should Faust ask to visit near bedtime ?
Even then , she did reacted strongly , so there is something wrong .
I held out my hands near the candles to take in their heat .
Ahh , quite reckless indeed .
“What are you doing ?”
“Oh . It's warm .”
“No shit .”
I closed my eyes ,
“It's always quite cold , and Faust does prefer colder temperatures , but … this does feel nice .”
Footsteps and she stood to my left .
“You could've just gotten a , I dunno , a heater ?”
Her voice was oddly softer .
“Needless .” A waste . As it'd be for I alone .
“… Is that why you always wear a sweater ?”
“Possibly likely .”
I opened my eyes , greeted by mesmerizing sways .
Wish could hold fire .
Ryoshu inhaled and I looked over to her .
She yawned big and stretched with popping joints .
“Mmh , can you do this ‘wellness check’ some other time ? An artist needs their sleep .”
“Ah , tiredness comes with bedtime …”
What should I say ? Should Faust be honest ?
Worst that could happen is her holding negativity .
“I'm guessing you want to stay ?”
“ … !”
Ryoshu walked over to the futon and sat . She patted next to herself .
A part of me wanted to ask ‘how did you know’ , but she’d just make some joke .
But this makes things easier .
Oh , just realized she's in her sleepwear .
I normally don't wear mine . This sweater alone is enough .
I carefully walked over to her , though frustration built up in her face .
“What’s-”
“Take your damn shoes off ! You're getting dirt and shit everywhere !”
I blinked ,
“Ah , should've said so earlier .” I took off my shoes and left socks on .
“Didn't feel like dealing with your bullshit .”
I placed them near the door and walked back over to her , sitting with little bit of distance between us .
“… How did you know Faust wanted to stay ?”
“You're a shit liar .”
Hmm , that doesn't explain much .
“Then why did you agree ? You don't seem comfortable .”
Two fingers laid on her lips despite no cigarette ,
“No comment .”
“It’s best you cooperate .”
She glared .
… I need to stop being direct .
But looking back at her , she was looking down in thought ,
Body tight .
I reached out a hand , but pulled back .
Her eyes widened and looked at me .
I stared at her , and she stared at me .
“What ? You want to hold my hand ?” Ryoshu joked . I think .
“If that’s what you wish .”
She squinted . Then laid down with a groan .
“I’m going to sleep . Goodnight .”
“Laying perpendicular isn’t ideal .”
She heaved herself up , physically lined herself up with the bed , and flopped herself back down .
Very dramatic .
“Are you going to lay down or what ?”
Interesting .
She already tucked herself in .
I felt the bed and looked over .
It’s enough room for two people , so there’s no need for another bed .
I laid down , our backs facing away . Shuffled myself to get comfortable .
Not sure if should go under blanket or not , so will just rest on top .
Mmm , Faust does prefer sleeping on a larger mattress , but can see appeal of sleeping on the floor .
Is this a normal thing ?
Faust knows this not professional . You don’t rest with colleagues , unless … hmm .
Maybe it’s a kind of bonding thing . And this is rather useful in this high stress job .
Any kind of comfort to subdue stress is best .
But , to my knowledge , not many sinners have done this .
Only recorded instance was Sinclair who couldn’t sleep after Kromer incident .
Faust should just ask . Can’t figure this out alone . Outside info needed .
I turned my body to face Ryoshu .
Though she still is faced away , her controlled breathing ,
“Ryoshu ?”
She curled up a little .
…
I carefully laid a hand on her
She stiffened , forced her breaths shallow .
Not good .
Decided to curl my arm away and near my chest .
Then , she turned her body to face me , but looked down to avoid my eyes .
There's little bit of distance between us , but I can hear her breathe
It's strange .
In fact , usually Faust never close enough to hear anyone breathe .
Her throat and lungs made this wheezing noises .
And she does smell strongly of cigarettes , musty .
The atmosphere of this place , it really does feel like a home and unlike a prison .
Or blank sterile room like mine .
One could almost believe we weren’t on Mephistopheles . Though , all rooms are like that .
Mhh …
…
“You getting comfortable ?”
Her voice made me blink ,
“Apologies , Faust dozed off .”
Her body stilled , then relaxed ,
“I don’t mind if you stay the night .”
“ … Why is that ?”
“Nice change of pace .” she grinned . But her heart beat faster .
Hmm …
I reached my hand again , distance was shorter than before .
She looked away .
“Is something wrong ?”
She let out a long sigh , rumbling her throat ,
“I rather you not be in this burning forest .”
Ah , “We can move rooms .”
“Nah . I'm cozy .”
Well then .
“So … aren’t you a little cold ?”
Guess she is bothered by how I’m laying on top of blanket .
“A little , but if Faust being under blanket makes you comfortable , then Faust can .”
“No , I’m talking about you . Like , do you want to ?”
… It takes more energy than needed to try understand , decipher meanings .
So I lifted my body up and moved under the sheets-
Oh wow , “It’s so soft .”
“Ha , right ? Knew you’d like it .”
Felt a … my cheeks smiled on its own . It’s not everyday someone cares of my likes .
Soft and comfortable .
But looking back at her , her red eyes wide .
She shook her head .
“Honestly ,” Her voice , a deeper softer register ,
“I didn’t expect you'd be so comfortable around me .”
“It's … been awhile since I had someone with me .”
You’re the one who let me stay . But …
“When Faust gets that feeling , she squeezes her pillow . That will help with unwanted loneliness .”
Her eyes flicked to mine , before looking away .
“You wanna hug ?”
“You’re not the type to offer such .”
She just chuckled .
Hmm .
I stretched my arms ,
But before I could , she moved and hugged me instead .
“Ah …” Weird sensation . Her arms around my body .
Usually would set off nervous system as such heavy touch means damage .
But this … hmm , likely confusing body .
“Surprised- huh . You have more meat than I thought .”
She rubbed my arm . I moved it away .
“You don't measure humans by meat contents . What you speak of is fat , or muscle .”
Ryoshu snorted . Why are you laughing .
“Here here , feel my arm .”
She sat up and rather excitedly rolled up her sleeve , presenting it .
I lightly touched it and she flexed .
Muscle fibers tighten , like strings underneath .
“What’s the grade ?”
“You cannot tell from the exterior , besides , Faust is not a butcher .”
She grinned wide .
I stared at her .
“No .”
She drew in a long inhale , then blew at my face .
Uncalled for . Awful .
I held up a hand to block her .
She burst out laughing .
“Fine fine I'll stop .”
She ruffled my hair .
It … felt nice .
Her hand slowed a little ,
“Your hair is a little matted .”
Mmh .
Thankfully her voice quieted .
I leaned into it a little
She continued to pat softly . Certainly strange coming from her .
Her fingertips and nails … scratchy noise of hair ,
Hm ? Her hand moved to my cheek
I looked up
Her eyes , a deep scarlet . Same as her blood .
She leaned in and , oh-
“Sorry , Faust not interested in kisses .”
“Huhhh ?” she pulled away .
Though her voice is of disappointment , hint of confusion is even stronger .
Couldn’t help but laugh .
She groaned . She flashed a glare , but stared .
“Your throat is beautiful .”
What is she … oh Faust’s laugh ,
“All throats are .”
She paused , then gently heave herself back down .
Her arm lifted and hovered over me
I moved in
She wrapped her arms around
Faust rested head under her chin and she squeezed a little .
“Ryoshu , who do you think offers best hugs in Limbus ?”
“That’s . Miss know-it-all asking me that ?”
“Humor me .”
She snorted , “Me of course , Though-”
She shifted ,
“Can't imagine hugging anyone else here .” she paused for moment before giving shrug ,
“What , ya doing an experiment ?”
“Possibly , though Faust believes best answer would be Rodya .”
“Mmm she can crush every bone in my body . True .”
Her body pulled away a little ,
“Are you ok with forehead kisses ?”
“Sure .”
She leaned in and her lips touched my forehead .
Her hand played with my hair .
I reached a hand to my hair , and gently wrapped fingers around hers .
Her hands quite hardened , calloused . As an artist and swordsmen would be .
She transitioned to playing with my fingers .
It's … comforting sensation .
Faust snuggled in closer . Ryoshu had to let go to readjust ,
But then went back to playing with my fingers .
I squeezed her hand a little . I can feel her bones .
“Ryoshu … you make Faust comfortable .”
She paused , then nuzzled my hair
“Can say the same about you .”
I kept needing to blink to keep my eyes open .
It’s time for sleep .
“Ah , need inform you , Faust sleeps 3 hours on average .”
“Huh . Cool .” She yawned loudly .
Need I specify ?
“Faust will wake up before you , thus-”
“Yeah yeah , just snap my arms off .”
Her hands yanked me into a tight hug .
Mmfmm …
… Oh .
Faust must've fallen asleep
Ryoshu’s eyes were closed , sleeping soundly .
Her body rise and fall with the blanket , arms hugging me still .
I can’t move .
I don't know what time it is due to spending time with her .
Usually , Faust wakes before all , and Faust does important things to fill time .
But , now what ?
Her face centimeters from mine ,
My hand cradled , and thumb rubbed her cheek
A strange creature you are .
Faust placed a kiss on her forehead .
She didn't react .
Ahh my body is so cramped .
Faust pushed her arms away and stretched ,
Then squeezed her back tightly
Her spine even cracked
Ryoshu let out a happy sigh
She's still asleep .
Goodness .
I … I can still hear the heartbeat .
Heart seems to always pound strongly even while asleep
I checked my own pulse on my neck ,
barely anything .
I curled up and just laid . This is more comfortable .
Watching her body rise and fall .
“Faust … do you like me ? I’m just a little confused . ”
Oh ?
Her eyes blinked open .
It's hard to read her expression , it's just sleepiness .
It's unlikely she was awake the entire time .
She awakened due to my movement .
Why would she assume Faust likes her ?
Looked away ,
“ ‘Like’ is a strong word .”
“Faust doesn't feel much of anything . Romantic , sexual , emotion in general . It’s no different towards you .”
“Then …”
“Faust finds your body warm , that's all .”
“So …” she tapped her fingers , then stopped ,
“You find my body a work of art ?”
“In a way , yes .”
“Hmph . A loveless lover you are .” Her voice didn’t express any tone .
“What does that mean ?”
“Not sure ,” her fingers tugged at my sleeve ,
“Let's go back to sleep .”
“Faust isn't able to .”
“What ? Am I too beautiful ?”
“No … Faust just like that .”
Faust's hand covered Ryoshu’s mouth .
She pulled away a moment
Then she took my hand and placed it on her cheek
Finger tips grazed her hair
Her hair strands are slick , smoother and uniform .
It actually shined a bit of orange , from the dim room only lit with candles .
A silk cloth . Velvet .
She smiled , a gentle face .
She stretched and rolled her body to face away .
Faust sat up little to check her expression .
She’s just trying to sleep again .
…
I moved to sit at edge of the bed
The futon shifted , Ryoshu was looking back at me .
Her throat grumbled and dragged herself to sit to my right .
She stared into my eyes before leaning her head on my shoulder .
Every time Faust is with someone , reminded how far away others are , human wise .
“I can’t sleep again .” Reminded her .
“Mmhhh . What makes you tired ?” her throat vibrated softly .
“ … Fighting .”
Her chin rubbed as she turned to look at me ,
“I’d love a goodnight fight . Can’t say I’ve done one before .”
“Rather you not abuse clock turning powers , it's waist of time .”
Her face scrunched like she wanted to argue ,
But she just shrugged ,
“Stubborn as always ,”
She let out a long sigh and curled back up in bed ,
“Do as you please .”
I sat .
Don't like daily routine being broken .
Then again …
I moved and wrapped myself tightly around her .
An opportunity like this , it's rare to come across .
“Faust realize … mean can um , admire you for hours .”
She just made a harsh sigh in response .
I pulled my arms away .
Is she mad ?
Or maybe she’s no longer in mood for hugs .
But that doesn't sound right .
“Hey Faust ,” Her voice is rough ,
“I neither hate or like you either , in fact I think I hate you more .”
“Way you talk and act all high and mighty . You're no god . Nothing here has changed .”
Where's this coming from ?
From Faust sharing she doesn't feel much .
“Faust … finds your vulgar mouth and logicless violence something you need to work on .”
“Shut it . I don't give a damn . Just fucking tell me already .”
Tell ?
…
Many things she's trying to bring up . It’s clear she's just trying to provoke Faust .
I did something wrong likely . Unfortunate .
She sat up , looming over me .
There's no need to entertain , so just kept lying .
But she continued to lean over , her face in front of mine , cast in shadow .
“Tell me .” Ryoshu's throat rumbled .
There's not enough information or time to figure out what she's speaking of .
Something specific she's searching for .
“What is it you-”
“Do you take me as a fool ?!”
My body flinched .
Not good . Not good .
Ahh … Aaah … I let out a big yawn .
“Ha , perfect . Verbal fights worked .”
Her face instantly calmed .
Faust's body felt dizzy .
Ah , my heart is beating fast .
I took a deep breath
I sighed , “ … A ‘verbal fight’ is an argument . Fights are physical .”
She scoffed , “Your face is priceless .” Her mouth smiled wide .
She says that , but her face is creased in way that's forced .
“You weren't lying though , correct ?”
She leaned back , eyes looking into mine ,
“Yeah ,” Her voice is soft again , “Always wanted to spout shit at your face .”
Faust turned head away ,
“Faust is used to it . Its norm and average . Don't hold anything against you ."
“Glad got confirmation .”
“Faust …”
She finally looked down , just like earlier .
“There's no need for guilt at the truth .”
“Thought you already knew , even if you came here knowing . I just wanted to tell you myself ."
“Just …”
A held back shout .
“Faust only knows what Faust knows .”
She swallowed ,
“So … Do you not remember the other day ?”
Hmm … ‘Other day’ …
Nothing stood out about previous days .
Just going through Mirror Dungeons .
We often saw it more as practice and testing our strength .
Outside of that … nothing either .
“Please tell Faust .”
She made a harsh sigh , but her voice gentle ,
“The other day you corroded into a damn teddy bear and squeezed me to death .”
“You literally killed me from that , ugly bloody mess .”
“It was just … sudden .”
“You dunno how weird and scary it is for you of all people to be crying and shouting ,
talking about how you wanted be hugged tight .”
“I thought … that's why you came here in first place . And you're telling me it wasn't ?”
“Hate that I'm fucking … Why did you- ”
…
“Faust ?”
“Hey it's okay , I’m not mad .”
…
Her thumb wiped the corner of my eye .
Was I crying ?
“Ah , Faust doesn't recall . She sincerely apologizes .”
“Faust … come here .” Her voice , so gentle .
Her eyes , they glistened too .
Faust paused , a fear rose up , but I moved closer .
She covered my eyes with a hand .
Then , a crackle . Pungent smoke .
A shiver down my spine , but … this certain presence was familiar .
I moved my head and Ryoshu removed her hand .
I blinked and looked up ,
Antennas were sprouted from above Ryoshu's head , tips lit like the candle wicks .
Her hair scorched in fire
Her eyes a flicker .
It's her 4th Match Flame E.G.O .
“You shouldn't activate your E.G.O outside of combat , Ryoshu .”
“I know .”
Her exhale flowed with smoke .
Her body is … wonderfully warm , like laying next to a campfire in winter . A living fire pit .
I thought , she was only kind for selfish reasons ,
that in truth , Faust's mind wanted and saw falsehoods .
But …
My eyes are heavy .
Her head rested on mine .
I don't understand .
My hand reached to comb my fingers through her hair , but stopped as it got close to the burning orange tip .
The heat quieted , slow breathing .
The fire swayed , mesmerizing .
A controlled fire .
I smiled . Then just patted her head .
My hand drifted down , and gripped her shirt .
I closed my eyes . The world further away , in a blanket .
I guess , the truth , there really was no other reason .
Her heart beat . Rhythmic thuds .
Crackles a song .
“Sleep well , Faust . Thank you .”
