[Even though Nikkari does fight back, albeit weakly, Ishikirimaru still tugs him gently into his lap. It doesn't take long for a coldness to seep its way into his legs and his chest. Is it simply because Nikkari has been out here for some time? Or some other truth that Ishikirimaru doesn't dare imagine? It doesn't matter; he shakes out his sleeves as well as he can to shield Nikkari from the elements, though he knows the real danger is inside.]
We both know if Aruji deemed you a lost cause, their last order of business would hardly be to run off like this.
[More likely, Nikkari would be told to make himself comfortable indoors and want for naught while he passed. If that's even possible for a sword to do. Breaking in battle is a very real possibility, of course, and while they've all gotten their taste of sickness, they always recover.
Except for this situation, apparently. No giving up, though. Ishikirimaru slips one of his hands to Nikkari's back, gently rubbing, but also pressing against his ribcage where the lungs are protected. As a blade, he's meant to heal, to spiritually cut away tumors and other unwelcome guests. Maybe he can do something similar here. If this is indeed hanahaki, then any aggressive action taken could change things entirely. Maybe not for the best. Nikkari hasn't asked him to do this, either, and that lack of consent stops him from doing anything more than silently offering up a prayer.
Nikkari coughs again, more petals falling from his lips, and Ishikirimaru decides at least two silent prayers can be forgiven.
But instead of pulling away and leaving Nikkari on the ground, like he had found him, Ishikirimaru tugs him still closer and leans down to press their foreheads together, his eyes closing. This hurts to watch. But he can't move from this spot.]
Have I no say in this? Am I not allowed some selfishness in wanting you to stay?
[His voice weakens to a whisper as he begins to finally imagine a world without Nikkari. But just for a moment. He has to be strong and steadfast in his convictions right now, not emotional over a future that hasn't happened yet.]
no subject
We both know if Aruji deemed you a lost cause, their last order of business would hardly be to run off like this.
[More likely, Nikkari would be told to make himself comfortable indoors and want for naught while he passed. If that's even possible for a sword to do. Breaking in battle is a very real possibility, of course, and while they've all gotten their taste of sickness, they always recover.
Except for this situation, apparently. No giving up, though. Ishikirimaru slips one of his hands to Nikkari's back, gently rubbing, but also pressing against his ribcage where the lungs are protected. As a blade, he's meant to heal, to spiritually cut away tumors and other unwelcome guests. Maybe he can do something similar here. If this is indeed hanahaki, then any aggressive action taken could change things entirely. Maybe not for the best. Nikkari hasn't asked him to do this, either, and that lack of consent stops him from doing anything more than silently offering up a prayer.
Nikkari coughs again, more petals falling from his lips, and Ishikirimaru decides at least two silent prayers can be forgiven.
But instead of pulling away and leaving Nikkari on the ground, like he had found him, Ishikirimaru tugs him still closer and leans down to press their foreheads together, his eyes closing. This hurts to watch. But he can't move from this spot.]
Have I no say in this? Am I not allowed some selfishness in wanting you to stay?
[His voice weakens to a whisper as he begins to finally imagine a world without Nikkari. But just for a moment. He has to be strong and steadfast in his convictions right now, not emotional over a future that hasn't happened yet.]