screwthegods | 008

008 | [Action]

[Moving all of their things from the top floor of the third community building has taken a couple of days, if only because Homura doesn't want Nataku or Okita to miss out on the festival preparations because of a random shift. Finally though, they've made it down to the last couple of trips, and Homura only has to go back and forth between there and House 50 a few times that morning.

Good thing, too. Shouryuu and Rokuta need extra help this week, getting food orders and such ready for the festival activities. So the afternoon will largely be spent with his adopted parents, doing manual labor, before heading back to the village and home. Home clearly being the best part, although none of it is actually bad. It's nice being content with life in general.]

[Largely for family, but feel free to run into Homura wherever if you'd like? :)]

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[Home is certainly the part that Ayumu likes the best, too. Once he returns he'll be greeted by the sounds and smells of dinner preparation coming from the kitchen, and everything that they brought back home has been put neatly away and the rest of the house tidied up. The house is clean, her family is happy, and she has dinner to prepare: in this, Ayumu is content as well.]

[This is the reason Homura always takes care to shower and change at the farm before he comes home. He moves to the doorway of the kitchen, simply watching Ayumu work at first. But he isn't one to look and not touch, and Homura waits for Ayumu to pause in her preparations before he moves behind her. Arms slip around her waist, and Homura pulls Ayumu gently back against him, the shape of her body cmfortable and warm against his own.]

[She'd realized he was there almost as soon as he'd arrived, even if he hadn't announced his presence. That was why Ayumu expected the greeting once it came, and why she'd deliberately finished what she was immediately working on to give him the opportunity. She just smiles and leans back against him, resting her hands on his at her waist.]

Welcome home. How was your day?

Thank you. [Homura bows his head to press a gentle kiss against the crown of Ayumu's hair, and to breathe in her scent. Dinner's spices and the light floral of her shampoo, and he closes his eyes to enoy the simplicity of the moment.]

Good. Things are going well with the farm so far this season. And Shouryuu and Rokuta send their love, of course. [Amid teasing grins, and a few pouts whenever Homura uses his favorite nickname for the latter.] What about yours?

I'm sure they do. [She chuckles softly, tracing an idle pattern across the back of his hand with a light fingernail.] Everyone's been so busy with preparations for the Festival... they are coming into town for it, aren't they?

My day sounds positively dull by comparison, though, since I spent most of it getting everything put back the way it should be and doing chores. Hm, although things have improved quite a bit in the last few minutes.

Of course. [No one missed the festival honoring The Great One without urgent reason, and even then, always with regret.] They were actually in town the day that last Shift happened. Apparently they got moved into one of the houses nearby.

Boring, was it? You have my sympathies. [And perhaps a bit more; Homura grins as Ayumu mentions the sudden improvement. Who is he to deny her anything that makes the situation better?]

Is that so? [He lowers his head further, angling his neck so he can catch the ridge of his wife's ear between his teeth. The bite is gentle, little more than an instant of pressure before he tastes that same spot with the tip of his tongue. His voice drops then, a quiet invitation whispered against her skin.] Perhaps we should see about improving it further, then.

Oh, and I'm certain that went over well. [Ayumu knows his adoptive parents; she can only imagine what the reactions must have been. Still, reassured that they'll be visiting for real for the festival, she can turn her attention to matters slightly more interesting at the present.]

In comparison, though I'm sure Nataku will appreciate having his room how it was, so it was worthwhile.

[And it's becoming even more so indeed. A quick glance toward the stove reassures her that dinner won't suffer in the slightest if neglected for a time, and so she smiles, eyes half closed and the quirk of her mouth almost amused.] It sounds as though you have something in mind.

Absolutely. It almost makes me regret missing out on their fighting. [Almost. The banter between his parents has always been playful; once Homura had realized it as a child, he grew to enjoy it, and even embrace some of his father's habits in particular. Given his penchant for teasing at every opportunity, Homura secretly thinks that his wife might forever hold a silent annoyance with Shouryuu.]

Indeed. [Nataku and Homura both; while it has amounted to little more than a nuisance, this disruption in routine leaves a lingering feeling of doubt and uncertainty. It's by far one of the more minor shifts Homura can remember, and so close to a time of celebration as well. He can't help a slight feeling of dread, wondering when the true effects will kick in.

But that foreboding is easily pushed aside, much like his lover's hair. Homura grins as his fingertips brush away the soft strands, exposing the length of Ayumu's neck.] I might. [He laughs softly, lips pressed against the skin in a line of feathery kisses. He lingers over her pulse, as if studying that particular spot beneathe the ridge of her jaw.]

But only if dinner won't suffer for it. I know how you get when I distract you for too long.

[Annoyance? Perhaps occasionally, but it's tempered with enough recognition of how he's influenced her husband and why that Ayumu can't stay irritated for long. But her own amusement at that and her worries about the latest shift, like Homura's, don't linger for long.

She tilts her head slightly to allow him better access to her neck, breath catching soft in her throat for an instant when he reaches the sensitive spot and her pulse increasing just a little under his lips. At the comment, though, her smile turns a hint mischievous.]

Right now it needs to sit for a little while... your timing couldn't be better.

[As usual, Souji came home late from the dojo, sporting a smile and the knowledge that he'd bruised the living hell out of some egos. Before he comes into the house, he picks up his pet piglet from the yard, feeds Tammy, and then comes in via the back door.]

Is everyone back now~?

[Homura's sporting a smile of his own by the time Okita returns home, for an entirely different reason. How long dinner should have sat while he and Ayumu otherwise occupied themselves is something he concerns himself with neither then nor now. Currently, Ayumu has retaken her authority in the kitchen, where even Homura only tends to venture at certain opportune moments.

When his son enters, Homura sets aside the book, responding to the question with a nod.] Back and settled in, thanks to your mother. How did things go at the dojo today?

[Okita lowers his training bag to the floor by the door and lets Saizou go at the same time. The pig snorts and looks at Homura for a moment before rooting at the bag.]

I thought she would. I have to say, it was quite the shock to wake up and have you two gone.

[He kneels down, picking out a snack for his pet and dangling it over the pig's head.]

Oh, it went as well as always. With the festival coming up it's harder to get people to come in, but the tournament should be enough encouragement.

[He finally lowers his hand and Saizou bites at the biscuit, pulling it from Souji's hand and causing him to laugh.] How was your day?

[Homura simply looks back at Saizou until he diverts his attention elsewhere, then shakes his head at the pig's antics. Interesting creature.

When Okita speaks of the morning, however, he turns his focus on his son, expression sombering slightly.]

I'm sure. [Such disappearances are frequent enough to be a worry, certainly. Add on top of that Homura and Ayumu's history, and the idea compounded into something much worse. Okita has never been one to let his worry show, but Homura knows his son. The fact that he's bringing it up at all is significant.] I'm sorry for that.

[And the regret is genuine, despite Homura knowing he personally had no choice or control over the Shift; perhaps that makes it all the more frustrating. He pauses then, waving to Nataku as the boy greets them before moving on, likely to sample some of whatever Ayumu is making for them all.]

I promise I won't leave you, Okita. Or Nataku, or your mother.

[No, Homura can't imagine a life without the family he's come to love so dearly. Nor does he want to try.

The conversation lightens then, and Homura grins at the summary of Okita's day.] Perhaps, but only if you don't scare them all away with your training. Speaking of the tournament, did you decide if you were going to enter?

As for my day, it was fairly typical. Your grandparents say hello, and that they'll look for you at the festival.

[His father can be so serious sometimes, but hearing what he says is reassuring. Souji smiles faintly and begins poking Saizou in the side, causing the piglet to grunt and sidestep as he focuses on eating.]

I know you won't.

And I'm not sure. It would be a good opportunity for the dojo to gain a bit more fame, but with the festival so soon... Well, I don't want to miss the games either.

[Saizou finally gets fed up with Souji pestering him and looks up, snorting angrily - which only makes his owner laugh.]

And if they're going to look for me, then I should go, hm? I'm glad they're doing well. Will they come over for dinner anytime soon? I feel like I haven't seen them in so long.

[Nataku's helped move their things back home of course, but with the festival preparation in full swing, he's got other promises to keep and admittedly more fun things to do, and Homura is more than obliging about it. He's been told parents are supposed to dote or something, but he can't help feeling a little guilty for not helping out more.

He's glad when everyone and everything is finally back in its proper place. The thought of living away from half of his family is upsetting.

When he gets home that evening, he waves at his brother and father before slipping into the kitchen to join his mother.] Mom~ [The cuter son is now hugging you around the middle and looking up imploringly.] Can I help with dinner? [Translation: I forgot to eat lunch. Can I sneak little bits of dinner while being totally unhelpful?]

Nataku?

[Ayumu glances down, freeing one hand long enough to give him a brief hug as with her other hand she continues to stir the simmering pot on the stove.]

Welcome home. Dinner is actually almost ready, if you'd like to wash up and get everything set out?

[After the hug he lets go of his mom with a touch of reluctance and goes to wash his hands. He's getting older now, so it's not like he can cling to her apron strings anymore.]

...Yeah, ok.

[There's a growl of protest from his stomach, which he ignores. Mostly.] Is there enough for seconds?

[Yes, she heard that growl, and will laugh quietly as she turns back to the stove.]

When I'm cooking for this family? Always.

[Grabbing plates! And he totally hears her laughing but it's ok. He just flashes a grin.] Don't tell anyone else then. I think I need fourths.

Oh, dear. What were you up to today to work up such an appetite?

[Not that she minds, of course. She'll still spoil him rotten no matter what.]

Just helping out with the festival [and maybe playing pranks on the distracted and unwary] but I lost track of time. And I'm a growing boy... and stuff.

[Yes, this is sound reasoning. Once he has a stack of dishware, he pauses near the door with a glance at his mother. He loves his father too of course but he can't imagine living somewhere else, without her. Even if there's a shift worse than the last one, he hopes they'll always be able to find each other.] I'm glad everything's back to normal now. [And he'll be shouldering the door open now to slip out and set the table.]

Of course. Well, there should be plenty for you, no matter how hungry you are.

[She glances up when he pauses, a fond smile dawning at his words; she nods in agreement and turns back to her work with a sense of utter contentment. Her family is together, where they belong. All is as it should be.]

So am I.

[While Homura's doing some manual labour - or, well, when he's almost done with manual labour, here's step-dad with a couple of ice cold drinks in hand.]

You almost finished there?

[So considerate. Homura grins at the man he considers his father, nodding briefly as he loads the last of the bags.]

As of now. I'll take it the same goes for you?

Yes.

[He's...done more than he would usually. He's being a good role model and all that. And it's not because Enki threatened to make him sleep outside if the chores weren't done.]

How're the rest of the preparations for the festival going?

[Of course. Homura buys that completely.]

Going well from what I hear, but Ayumu and I aren't too involved in it this year. We decided to let the kids take more of that role. We'll still go of course.

What about you? You and Rokuta are coming in for it, aren't you?

Of course. Like we'd miss that. We thought about taking some of the stuff to sell at a stall but we're thinking we might just go and enjoy it for a change.

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008 | [Action]

[House 50]

Re: [House 50]

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[House 50 - after his parents are done being gushy in the kitchen 8( ]

Re: [House 50 - after his parents are done being gushy in the kitchen 8( ]

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[House 50 - also after his parents are done being gross]

[House 50] you'll understand when you get older, son

[House 50] MOOOOOM. /)=_=(\

[House 50] O:3

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