(Awwww -w-)
She liked that. Holding a human’s hand. It hadn’t been done in ages, and she was the first to break the awkward barrier between human and Doku Ningen society.
…Rigel…. She siddenly flinched as another rush of chills struk her body.
Rigel gave her hand a small squeeze, despite the growing heat, “Hey, hey, it’s going to be okay, alright? Get some rest, we’ll be safe for a little while.” He told her gently, hoping she’d be okay.
Kohaku felt it, and she tried to smile, but the cold got to her again, and she pulled her hand back upon reflex.
The elk sighed. “I understand that all of you care about the young one so deeply, and it warms my heart…. however….” He exchanged glances between everyone and the high windows, where the sky was darkening. “I’d advise that everyone gets a good rest tonight— that is, if you’re staying….”
(I’m finally heerrrrreee!)
“I…” Will they be safe? Yes… “I guess we’ll stay.” Rigel nodded, pulled his hand away from Kohaku’s burning one, the skin slightly red and irritated but he was fine. “As long as we’re safe…”
The elk began to make his way out of the room. "Well, if you're all going to stay, then I suppose I can show you to the guest rooms…"
However, Daichi politely objected, "I will stay down here with Kohaku, just to make sure she's coming along alright…"
She missed Rigel's hand– she wanted to hold on to someone. Where did you go–? A sudden chill hit Kohaku again, and she winced loudly.
Rigel didn’t want to move from his spot, he wanted to make sure all of them were okay and safe. He immediately leaned a bit closer, murmuring quietly, “Hey, hey, it’s gonna be alright, it’s gonna be alright, Kohaku, it’s alright,” He brushed grabbed her hand once more, drawing soothing circles on it with his thumb in attempt to calm her. Just don’t die, Kohaku, don’t die…
(He brush grabbed…? Dude, this gotta stop, loooooo)
Mamoru nodded his head at Daichi, yet adverted his gaze to Rigel as everyone else went to go to bed. “Are you staying here with Daichi or are you going up with the rest of us?” Who know’s what’ll happen to him if he suddenly decides to show up….
(Looooo, I had been going to say he brushed his hand up against hers but I didn’t like how that was worded so I had been deleting it. I must’ve gotten distracted >_< )
“I…” Rigel looked to Kohaku, giving her hand a small squeeze, “Do you want me to stay?” His hand was slowly getting burned, but he tried desperately to ignore it and remind himself that he was worrying about Kohaku dying, he wasn’t strapped to a metal table in the dark. Not there, I’m not there, I’m safe. I’m here.
Kohaku began to breathe compulsively, her mind still spinning from the icy plunge. “….I….. I…” She stuttered and shuttered, struggling to speak. “….R…..Ri— Rig…. Rigel…..”
Daichi didn’t want to interfere, but he didn’t think he had a choice. “Why don’t we let Kohaku rest up for the night? And you should get some sleep too— you’ve had a stressful day today….” We all did, truthfully…
Rigel gave her hand another squeeze before finally pulling away and giving a nod to Daichi, “Be safe,” He told him, then walked a few steps away from the fire, subtly nursing his burnt hand by pressing it against his abodmen. That familiar pain… Rigel shook the memory away, forcing them downdowndowndown…
(Ooo)
As time progressed, Daichi found it harder and harder to keep himself awake, but Kohaku’s breathing was much smoother and calmer since she had a chance to sleep. “This is the first time in years since an accident like this happened… It’s a miracle that we believe it can still occur.” Help her, Ryuu, He folded his hands together. Bring her back…
Rigel went to the guest room, turning over an over again in his fitful sleep until the light filtered through to signify morning. Rigel slowly sat up, nursing he hand. It hurt even more now, red and irritated.
Kohaku stirred, and Daichi was brought to consciousness. “Kohaku?” He asked to see if she was awake.
“Y—yes?” Her voice was stronger than it has been, but she still sounded a bit weak.
“I’m just checking to see if you’re okay…. How are you feeling this morning?” Daichi approached her, being extremely cautious of the greenish coals, which seemed duller.
“I’m…. fine…” She opened her eyes just enough to see. “W… were you holding my hand…..?”
“Unfortunately no,” He said truthfully.
“Then… who was that??” She was extremely confused.
“….That was Rigel.”
Rigel stretched, standing up and walking into the brisk morning air of the mountains. He pressed his hand to his abdomen, trying his best to ignore the familiar sting as he started his walk back to where Kohaku was.
Kohaku was a bit confused. “I don’t…. I don’t understand…..” She wasn’t sure why a human would care so deeply about any Doku Ningen in general.
Daichi’s stomach growled, and he advertly changed the subject, “…..I’m beginning to get a bit hungry… hopefully the host has something in mind that’s both appetizing and good for you.”
I sure hope so…. She was just about to say something when Rigel appeared at the doorway.
“Uh, hi, are you two doing okay?” Rigel asked as he entered, letting his hand fall to his side but kept it angled away from them in attempt to try to hide the burn. “I’, sure you both need rest… I hope they can provide food for you.” Rigel looked over his shoulder as if the elk would appear at any moment.
Kohaku sighed, her ears twitching a little. “I am….. a… bit hungry myself….” She pulled her tail to her side to stroke it as she usually would. She thought about Rigel holding her hand, and she wasn’t sure what to feel. “I…. where’s everyone….. else?”
“It looked like they were still sleeping…” Rigel trailed off, a little unsure but overall he didn’t know. “It’s early… I can go look for food, if you want me to?” Rigel asked but he was already taking a step towards the door again.
“Well,” Daichi broke into an unpredictable yawn. “Judging from the impression the townsfolk got when they saw you, I bet the host should help you in doing that…. however, I have a feeling that you should stay indoors for the sake of your safety.” He was almost sure that man was getting closer by the minute, and even if he wasn’t, it was always good to be safe just in case.
Kohaku merely closed her eyes to get some lightweight rest before she could be back on her feet again.
Rigel nodded, walking out the door in search of the host. He cradled his hand against his chest now that the prying eyes were gone, taking a deep breath and looking over his shoulder once more.
(Did we nail down whether Peter was going to kidnap some of them or something else was going to happen or…?)
(I feel like it was going to happen, but not right this instance. Maybe a tad bit more down the road.)
The elk came down the stairwell just in time to see Rigel awake. “Did you get a good night’s rest?” He said, getting his attention. “I see that you’re nursing your hand… is something wrong?”
Rigel immediately dropped his hand to his side, paling for a second, “I-I- Yeah, I slept well, uh, there’s nothing wrong…” He pressed his palm flat against his abdomen so the elk wouldn’t see, he wouldn’t know.
He nodded, his leaf twiching. “Very well… I was just about to go out and get some food for you and your friends… and…” He lowered his voice a little, even though everyone in the house knew. “I’m sorry for how Takeo greeted you… it’s been so long since we ever saw a human being….” He approached the door. “I’d advise to stay here, and I’ll get you a robe of some sort. Meanwhile, make sure the fox doesn’t go anywhere— she should at least have something to eat before getting back on her feet.”
“Uh-“ Rigel didn’t know what to say, what could he say? “Thank you, for, uh, helping us.” If they hadn’t been there, Kohaku… she would be… Rigel shook away the morbid thought, nodding in thanks before heading back to Kohaku’s room. He kept his palm pressed against his clothing, knowing that if anyone saw, they’d be instantly worried. Not about the burn, but about the- Rigel took a deep breath, hiding his palm and ignoring the pain.
The elk left the house to go and get the things he promised, while Daichi still waited in the room. He let out an oppressive sigh. “I’m still curious as where to go after this…. we can’t stay here forever….” He noticed Rigel positioning his hand strangely, and he asked, “Is everything okay??” I can heal you if you need it….
“What?” Rigel asked hesitantly, trying to avoid or at least delay the moment, “Everything’s fine.” He told Daichi, chewing his lip and avoiding the man’s eyes. Don’t show him, it will be fine, it will be fine, just don’t let them see what you did…